The Baltimore Ravens’ rebuilt defensive front could draw a favorable matchup when they face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.
Cowboys All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair a thumb injury, Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Monday. Smith is expected to miss four to six weeks, which would sideline him for the Cowboys’ massive matchup against Baltimore in Brazil. Smith’s absence creates a significant concern for an offensive line preparing to face the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Ravens and Houston Texans over its first four games. Dallas is expected to turn to T.J. Bass at left guard while Smith recovers.
Smith has developed into one of the NFL’s premier interior offensive linemen since Dallas selected
him in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. The Cowboys confirmed during training camp that Smith would remain at left guard, although they also prepared him to provide emergency depth at tackle.
#Cowboys first four opponents/defensive fronts they'll face in 2026 (Tyler Smith will miss a minimum of four games):
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) September 7, 2026
Giants
Commanders
Ravens
Texans
TJ Bass will be put to major tests, weekly. https://t.co/qCiJDlVWwY
His absence could create opportunities for Baltimore’s defensive front, particularly through the interior. Nnamdi Madubuike is working his way back from the neck injury that cost him the final 15 games of last season, and Ravens coach Jesse Minter has not ruled him out for the season opener.
Baltimore also spent the offseason adding talent and depth to a pass rush that will be tested throughout the opening month. Bass will face difficult assignments each week while replacing Smith. Baltimore’s ability to attack that matchup could become one of the defining factors when the teams meet in Week 3.
The Ravens will have two games of film to evaluate how Dallas adjusts its protections without Smith. If the four-to-six-week timeline holds, the Cowboys will be without one of their best offensive players for an important early-season matchup.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Cowboys All-Pro Tyler Smith could miss Week 3 matchup vs. Ravens
