The Dallas Cowboys have suffered a major loss to their offensive line, as a veteran starter has been placed on the injured reserve list to await surgery.
Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer told the media on Monday
that left guard Tyler Smith is set to undergo thumb surgery, which will keep him out for at least four weeks. His absence will move TJ Bass into the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.#Cowboys All-Pro LG Tyler Smith is set to have thumb surgery, coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters. He’s out at least four weeks and headed to Injured Reserve. TJ Bass will fill in for Smith. pic.twitter.com/veIAUc7ga1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2026
Smith is a major piece of an offensive line that has helped propel the Cowboys' high-octane offense in recent seasons.
He is a one-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection, and was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team during his debut season in the league. He has started 63 games and played 4,249 snaps over his four seasons. He was also the 19th highest-grade offensive guard in the NFL last season, according to PFF.
But the Cowboys do have a quite reliable backup to take his place. Bass has played in 48 games and made ten starts over his three seasons in the NFL, and was graded as the 40th-best offensive guard in the league last year according to PFF, putting him above some teams' starters. So while the loss does hurt, Dallas has made sure to keep adequate offensive line depth so things don't turn into a nightmare while Smith is out.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Cowboys face major blow as critical OL starter injured ahead of Week 1
