The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for a challenging start to the season as left guard Tyler Smith will be out for a minimum of four weeks after undergoing surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Smith has been managing this injury throughout training camp and will be placed on injured reserve designated to return.
His recovery could take up to six weeks.
Smith, selected 24th overall in the 2022 draft, is a three-time Pro Bowl player who has started 63 regular-season games and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2023. Despite trying to play through the injury with protective measures, he decided on surgery when it impacted his performance.
Schottenheimer stated that Smith felt unable to perform at a high level, emphasizing the importance of a long season.
In his 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 showed confidence in Bass by retaining him with a second-round restricted free agent tender.
