The Dallas Cowboys will be without left guard Tyler Smith for a minimum of four weeks following surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer stated that Smith has been managing this injury during training camp and will be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return. His recovery could potentially take up to six weeks.
Smith, who was selected 24th overall in the 2022 draft, is a three-time Pro Bowl player and has started 63 regular-season games. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2023. Despite efforts to play through the injury, Smith decided on surgery due to a decline in his performance. Schottenheimer remarked on the situation, noting that Smith had been struggling to perform at a high level.
In his absence, T.J. Bass, a 27-year-old undrafted free agent with 48 game appearances and 10 starts, will take over as the starting left guard. The Cowboys had previously shown confidence in Bass by retaining him with a second-round restricted free agent tender.
Additionally, the team has added tight end James Mitchell to their practice squad, replacing veteran Mitch Van Vooren, who was waived after recently re-signing. As the Cowboys gear up for their season opener against the New York Giants on September 13, 2026, they will need to adapt to these roster changes.
