The worst-kept secret of Week 5 has finally come to fruition. A few hours prior to the Cowboys kicking off Thursday Night Football against the 0-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas has activated left guard Tyler Smith. Smith, who went on returnable IR prior to the start of the regular season, was designated for return on Monday, and has ramped up his practice efforts each day this week.
Now, the three-time Pro Bowler is returning to his place among one of the league's top offenses. It stands to reason the Cowboys may end up seeing the best version of Smith at some point this season, thanks to the rapid improvement of left tackle Tyler Guyton. Having Smith on board to face a mammoth DT presence in Vita Vea is a just-in-time moment for the Cowboys.
To make room for Smith on the 53-man roster, the club waived RB Emari Demarcado. The writing was on the wall for the last two games for Demercado. After claiming him after release from the Kansas City Chiefs before the season, he's been left inactive the last two games in favor of Tyler Goodson. Goodson was signed off the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad.
The @dallascowboys waived RB Emari Demercado and activated G Tyler Smith from Reserve/Injured-Designated for Return.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) October 8, 2026
The club also elevated CB Reddy Steward and S Juanyeh Thomas from the practice squad for tonight’s game against Tampa Bay.
The team also elevated two practice squad players ahead of Thursday night. Defensive backs Reddy Steward and Juanyeh Thomas will be part of the dressed lineup. As such, the team will announce seven inactive players around 90 minutes prior to the club's 7:15 pm CT kickoff.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys make 4 roster moves ahead of TNF vs Bucs, activate Tyler Smith
