Are the Dallas Cowboys about to get the best version of Tyler Smith they've ever seen? Wednesday's practice report, the final one for Week 5 with the club hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night, lists Smith as a full participant and given a game designation of questionable.
Smith's been trending towards returning from his thumb injury since last week's win over Houston, with the front office and staff both providing supportive statements to his surgery rehab. If he plays as expected, it will be Smith's 2026 debut; his first action after being named to the Pro Bowl the prior three seasons.
Smith will be returning to a spot that is both familiar and not, as the players to his left and right are the same from the past two seasons, but
with one significant change. Left tackle Tyler Guyton is a much improved player, meaning that for the first time in 30 months, Smith won't have to babysit the position.
Between Guyton's numerous injuries that have forced Smith to play outside, and Guyton's relative inability to play well when suited up, the NFL's premiere left guard has had to spend a lot of time worrying about the spot next to his.
That's no longer the case with the way Guyton has handled some of the NFL's top edge rushers in the first four games of the season. Guyton is more than capable of winning one-on-one matchups now, without training wheels, which opens up a world of possibility for Klayton Adams, Conor Riley and Dallas' blocking schemes.
Smith has managed two Pro Bowl seasons while having to either support left tackle or outright play it. Imagine what he could do when the spot next to him is now a strength?
As for the rest of Wednesday; practice report, the Cowboys ruled three players out. CB Cobie Durant and LB DeMarvion Overshown will in fact miss the game. Both were considered long shots, but with a 10-day break after this contest, they'll hold both of those defensive starters out.
The Cowboys also ruled out Drew Shelton, who although he was not noted of having an in-game injury, has been DNP all week. The rookie has struggled since training camp, and the club might be setting him up for an IR trip so they can activate Smith.
I understand wanting to give him game action to try to jump-start his development, but Drew Shelton just isn't ready for NFL action. He gets taken advantage of on almost every snap he's been on the field this year. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/RsjOJiYvfx
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) October 5, 2026
Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is also questionable after missing Wednesday's practice with an illness.
On the Buccaneers side of the ball, it's been well documented that QB Baker Mayfield and defensive leader, safety Antoine Winfield, will not play.
LB SirVocea Dennis and CB Benjamin Morrison are also ruled out.
📝 #Cowboys final injury report vs. Bucs:
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 7, 2026
🚨 Tyler Smith upgraded, was a FULL participant for the first time since undergoing thumb surgery — listed as questionable for TNF. pic.twitter.com/kbrQavAlax
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys about to get even better version of already elite Tyler Smith?
