The Dallas Cowboys have made important roster changes after Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith was placed on injured reserve due to a thumb injury that will require surgery. Smith is expected to be out for four to six weeks, leading the Cowboys to elevate Nick Leverett from the practice squad to the active roster.
Although Leverett joins the team, he is not expected to start right away. Instead, T.J. Bass, who has started 10 games in his career and is familiar with the offensive system, is anticipated to take over the left guard position.
Leverett, who began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent from Rice University in 2020, previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2021 to 2023, starting 10 games during that time. He also had brief tenures with the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals in 2024, where he collaborated with Cowboys offensive coordinator Clayton Adams.
In a related move, the Cowboys have added veteran offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson to their practice squad. Tomlinson, a first-round draft pick in 2015 by the Detroit Lions, has extensive experience, having started 162 games in his career, including seven games last season with the Houston Texans.
These adjustments come as the Cowboys strive to maintain a strong offensive line in light of Smith's injury as the season begins.
