The Dallas Cowboys are set to face a notable hurdle as left guard Tyler Smith will be out for a minimum of four weeks due to surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Smith, who has struggled with this injury during training camp, will be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.
Recovery could take as long as six weeks.
Smith, who was selected 24th overall in the 2022 draft and has made three Pro Bowl appearances, has started 63 regular-season games. He earned a second-team All-Pro distinction in 2023. Despite trying to manage the injury with protective gear, he ultimately chose surgery when his performance declined.
Schottenheimer commented on Smith’s situation, stating that it was clear he could not perform at his usual high standard.
In Smith's absence, T.J. Bass, a 27-year-old undrafted free agent who has played in 48 games and started 10, will take over as the starting left guard. The Cowboys previously showed confidence in Bass by retaining him with a second-round restricted free agent tender.