The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant challenge ahead of the upcoming season as left guard Tyler Smith will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the news, noting that Smith had been dealing with the injury throughout training camp but had not disclosed when it initially occurred.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has started 63 regular-season games and was expected to play a crucial role this season. He attempted to manage the injury with protective measures, but ultimately decided surgery was necessary as it hindered his performance. Schottenheimer remarked, "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."
In Smith's absence, T.J. Bass will take over as the starting left guard. Bass, a 27-year-old undrafted free agent, has played in 48 games with 10 starts, including five in the previous season. The Cowboys had retained him with a second-round restricted free agent tender, indicating their confidence in his abilities.
Additionally, the Cowboys have made a roster change by adding tight end James Mitchell to their practice squad while waiving veteran Mitch Van Vooren. Mitchell previously played for the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers, and his addition comes just days before the Cowboys' season opener against the New York Giants on September 13, 2026.
