The Dallas Cowboys are set to face a notable setback as left guard Tyler Smith will be unavailable for at least 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 throughout training camp, will be placed on injured reserve with the designation to return.
His recovery timeline may reach up to six weeks.
A three-time Pro Bowl player and the 24th pick in the 2022 draft, Smith has started 63 regular-season games and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. Despite efforts to manage the injury with protective gear, he ultimately decided surgery was necessary when it began to impact his performance.
Schottenheimer stated that Smith had been dealing with the issue and felt unable to perform at his usual level.
In Smith's 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 previously signed Bass with a second-round restricted free agent tender, showing their trust in his capabilities.
Additionally, the team has made a roster adjustment by signing tight end James Mitchell to their practice squad. Mitchell, who has played for the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers, replaces veteran tight end Mitch Van Vooren, who was waived after re-signing with the Cowboys.
