The Dallas Cowboys are set to face a challenge as left guard Tyler Smith will be out for a minimum of four weeks following surgery on a torn ligament in his left thumb. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that Smith, who has struggled with this injury during training camp, will be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.
Recovery could take up to six weeks.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl player and the 24th overall pick in the 2022 draft, has played 63 regular-season games and earned a second-team All-Pro title in 2023. After trying to manage the injury with protective gear, he decided on surgery when it began to impact his performance. Schottenheimer remarked on the situation, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining high performance levels during a long season.
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 had previously shown confidence in Bass by retaining him with a second-round restricted free agent tender.
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, takes the place of veteran tight end Mitch Van Vooren, who was waived after recently rejoining the squad.
