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Dallas Cowboys insider explains why Tyler Smith surgery was delayed
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- Dallas Cowboys insider explains why Tyler Smith surgery was delayed
A quiet Dallas Cowboys training camp has produced a major problem just before the NFL regular season begins. The offensive line will enter a difficult opening stretch without one of its anchors, adding pressure to a group charged with protecting Dak Prescott . Three-time Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.
Dallas plans to place him on injured reserve with a designation to return, which will keep him out for at least the first four games.
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Why the Cowboys waited on Tyler Smith 's thumb surgery
The timing created an obvious question for Dallas. If Smith had experienced discomfort during training camp, why did the Cowboys wait until the week of their season opener to schedule surgery?
ESPN's Todd Archer reported that Smith began having trouble with his thumb late in the team's stay in Oxnard, California. After returning to Frisco, the Cowboys held two padded practices and tried to devise a way to protect the injury well enough for Smith to play. Those attempts failed, leaving surgery as the best option.
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Dallas didn't simply ignore the injury for several weeks. The team first explored whether Smith, who has played through other physical issues, could remain on the field without undergoing a procedure.
"Unfortunately, when you're an offensive lineman, grip strength and things like that are really important," coach Brian Schottenheimer said.
Archer added that undergoing surgery shortly after leaving Oxnard likely wouldn't have prevented Smith from missing the first four games. Dallas still would have needed to place him on injured reserve to create a roster spot.
The delay gave Smith a chance to avoid surgery without significantly changing his projected return date.
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Tyler Smith will miss at least four Cowboys games
Schottenheimer said Tyler Smith is expected to miss four to six weeks of the NFL season. His placement on injured reserve means he cannot play against the New York Giants , Washington Commanders , Baltimore Ravens or Houston Texans .
Smith could become eligible to return for a Thursday night game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 8. That short turnaround could complicate an immediate return, however. Dallas then visits the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 18.
The absence removes one of the Cowboys' most accomplished offensive players. Smith has made the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons, joining Larry Allen and Zack Martin as the only guards in franchise history to earn three selections within their first four years.
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Smith started all 17 games as a rookie in 2022 but has missed time in each season since. He also underwent a cleanup procedure on his right knee in February.
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T.J. Bass to replace Tyler Smith at left guard
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
(NFL) Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) against the Philadelphia Eagles .
The Cowboys will turn to T.J. Bass while Smith recovers. Bass has made 10 starts over three NFL seasons, including five in 2025, and has already worked beside center Cooper Beebe and left tackle Tyler Guyton .
Dallas demonstrated its faith in Bass during the offseason by giving the restricted free agent a second-round tender worth $5.7 million.
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Bass also provided encouraging results in limited action last season. According to Next Gen Stats, he allowed eight pressures and no sacks across 198 pass-blocking snaps. He regularly practiced with the starting line when the Cowboys reduced Smith's workload during training camp.
"We tendered him the way we tendered him because we trust this guy as a football player," Schottenheimer said. "He's a damn good football player."
Dallas could promote Nick Leverett from the practice squad to replace Smith on the active roster and provide additional interior depth. Leverett played guard and center during the preseason.
Bass will receive his first test against the Giants in Dallas' season opener Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.
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