The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the upcoming season, with left guard Tyler Smith sidelined for at least four weeks following surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Smith, who has been dealing with this injury throughout training camp, will be placed on injured reserve designated to return.
It is unclear when the injury first occurred.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the 24th overall pick in the 2022 draft, has started 63 regular-season games for the Cowboys. He attempted to manage the injury with protective measures, but ultimately decided that surgery was necessary to ensure he could perform at a high level for the long season ahead. Schottenheimer noted, "It's something that's he's been dealing with.
It's just felt like he couldn't do at a high level. It's a long season. It's unfortunate but that's why we coveted T.J.
Bass."
In Smith's absence, T.J. Bass, a 27-year-old undrafted free agent with experience in 48 games and 10 starts, will step in as the starting left guard. The Cowboys retained Bass with a second-round restricted free agent tender, indicating their confidence in his abilities.
