Tyler Smith Thumb Surgery
Dallas Cowboys Left Guard Tyler Smith Undergoes Thumb Surgery and Misses Four Games
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Key Points
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Smith sustained the ligament damage during training camp but continued practicing through the previous week before missing practice ahead of the season opener.
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Smith made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons at left guard; as a rookie first-round pick in 2022, he played left tackle after Tyron Smith was injured in training camp.
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T.J. Bass re-signed with Dallas on a one-year, $5.8 million restricted-free-agent contract before taking over for Smith.
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The right-tackle competition involves four-year starter Terence Steele and Broderick Jones, whom Dallas acquired from Pittsburgh in an Aug. 29 trade.
Dallas Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith will undergo thumb surgery Tuesday and miss the first four to six weeks of the season. The three-time Pro Bowler suffered ligament damage in his left thumb during training camp but pushed through until missing practice ahead of Week 1 against the New York Giants, Texarkana Gazette reported. Smith will be placed on injured reserve, making him ineligible to return before Week 5.
T.J. Bass, a veteran with 10 career starts, will replace Smith at left guard. Dallas signed Bass to a one-year, $5.8 million restricted free-agent deal before the season. A return against Tampa Bay in Week 5 is possible, but the Cowboys may target the October 18 game at Green Bay as a more realistic comeback date, NY Post said.
From Rookie Starter to Pro Bowl Anchor
Smith arrived as a first-round pick in 2022 and immediately stepped into a starting role at left tackle after Tyron Smith's training camp injury. He quickly adapted to left guard and earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons with Dallas. His consistent performance made him one of the team's most reliable blockers.
Bass Steps In With NFL Experience
Bass brings proven experience to fill the void. The backup signed his current deal this offseason after previous stints elsewhere in the league. He has started 10 NFL games and understands the demands of protecting the Cowboys' quarterback on a weekly basis. Dallas will lean on his familiarity with the system during Smith's recovery.
Offensive Line Faces Mounting Pressure
Smith's injury compounds concerns along the Cowboys' front five. Dallas is still sorting out its right tackle situation, where four-year starter Terence Steele faces competition from Broderick Jones, acquired in an August 29 trade from Pittsburgh. The combination of Smith's absence and ongoing battles at right tackle puts extra stress on the line's cohesion early in the season.
Timeline Points Toward Mid-October Return
While Smith is eligible to return in Week 5, IJR noted the short-week schedule and surgical recovery timeline make an October 18 matchup at Green Bay more realistic. The Cowboys cannot afford a prolonged absence from their best left guard, especially with roster questions mounting across the offensive line heading into the season opener.
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