The Dallas Cowboys are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the upcoming season, with left guard Tyler Smith sidelined due to a thumb injury. Smith will undergo surgery for a ligament tear in his left thumb and has been placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Smith had been dealing with this issue throughout training camp, although it is not clear when the injury first occurred.
Smith is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks, but recovery could extend up to six weeks. He had attempted to manage the injury with protective measures, but ultimately decided surgery was necessary. Schottenheimer noted, "It's something that's he's been dealing with.
It's just felt like he couldn't do at a high level. It's a long season. It's unfortunate but that's why we coveted T.J.
Bass."
In Smith's absence, T.J. Bass will step in as the starting left guard. Bass, an undrafted free agent, has played in 48 games with 10 starts, including five last season. The Cowboys had retained him with a second-round restricted free agent tender.
