The Dallas Cowboys will be without left guard Tyler Smith for a minimum of four weeks due to 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 the possibility of returning after six weeks.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl player and the 24th overall selection in the 2022 draft, has played 63 regular-season games and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. After attempting to manage the injury with protective measures, he chose surgery when it began to impact his performance. Schottenheimer remarked on Smith's situation, emphasizing the importance of his health for a long season ahead.
In the meantime, 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 rejoining the team.
