The Dallas Cowboys have made significant roster changes after Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith was placed on injured reserve due to a thumb injury requiring surgery. Smith is projected to be out for four to six weeks, leading the Cowboys to promote Nick Leverett from the practice squad to the active roster.
Although Leverett is now on the active roster, he is not expected to start immediately. T.J. Bass is anticipated to take over as the starting left guard, bringing 10 career starts and knowledge of the team's offensive system.
Leverett, an undrafted free agent from Rice University in 2020, previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2021 to 2023, where he started 10 games. He also had brief tenures with the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals in 2024, collaborating with Cowboys offensive coordinator Clayton Adams.
In addition to Leverett's promotion, the Cowboys have added Laken Tomlinson to their practice squad. Tomlinson, a former first-round draft choice by the Detroit Lions in 2015, has extensive experience, having started 162 games in his career, including seven games last season with the Houston Texans.
These strategic moves reflect the Cowboys' efforts to maintain a stable offensive line following Smith's injury as the season approaches.
