Background on the situation
Smith’s injury timeline has sparked questions about why surgery wasn’t scheduled sooner. Reports indicate that he began experiencing thumb trouble late during the team’s stay in Oxnard, California. Upon returning to Frisco, the Cowboys conducted two padded practices and attempted to shield the injury enough for Smith to continue playing. Those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and surgery emerged as the most viable option to address the issue.
In the weeks following the initial discomfort, Dallas did not ignore the problem. The team explored whether Smith, who has a history of playing through various physical issues, could remain on the field without a procedure. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of grip strength and overall hand function for an offensive lineman, underscoring why surgical intervention became necessary in the end. The decision to delay surgery allowed Smith to maintain his return timeline more consistently, even as the team prepared for the season opener.
Impact on the lineup and rotation
With Smith sidelined for four to six weeks, the Cowboys will lean on depth at left guard to fill the vacancy. The club has chosen T.J. Bass to step in at left guard while Smith recovers. Bass, who has 10 NFL starts over three seasons, including five in 2025, has already logged reps alongside the interior trio of center Cooper Beebe and left tackle Tyler Guyton. Dallas showed confidence in Bass during the offseason by tendering him a second-round offer worth $5.7 million as a restricted free agent, signaling faith in his ability to contribute when called upon.
Statistically, Bass has shown encouraging performance in limited action. In pass protection, Next Gen Stats recorded eight pressures and no sacks across 198 pass-blocking snaps. He also spent time practicing with the starting unit during training camp, particularly as the team managed Smith’s workload. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer stressed the trust the organization has in Bass, describing him as a “damn good football player” and noting that the coaching staff believes he can handle the increased responsibility.
Roster moves and options
Dallas can also consider internal options to bolster the interior line. One potential path is promoting Nick Leverett from the practice squad to the active roster, providing additional interior depth and versatility. Leverett has experience at both guard and center, which could prove valuable as the Cowboys navigate early-season matchups without Smith in the lineup.
Season-opening expectations and early tests
Bass’s first major assignment will come in the season opener against the New York Giants. The game is scheduled for Sunday, with kickoff at prime-time evening hours. How Bass handles the challenge will be telling for Dallas as they begin the year with a plan built around protecting Prescott and maintaining a stable pocket for the passing game. The early schedule presents a mix of physical fronts and dynamic pass rushers, making the depth along the interior a critical factor in the team’s offensive success.
Historical context and Smith’s trajectory
Tyler Smith established himself quickly since entering the league, earning Pro Bowl recognition in three consecutive seasons. He joined a select group of guards in Cowboys history to achieve three Pro Bowl selections within the first four years of his NFL career, a testament to his impact and consistency when healthy. Smith started all 17 games as a rookie in 2022 and has since faced occasional absences due to injuries. In February, he also underwent a cleanup procedure on his right knee, underscoring the physical demands he routinely handles.
Outlook for the Cowboys’ interior line
The combination of Bass stepping in, Leverett as a potential depth option, and the ongoing development of younger linemen will shape the Cowboys’ approach to protection and run blocking in Smith’s absence. The coaching staff’s confidence in Bass and the organization’s willingness to deploy versatile linemen suggest a measured plan to sustain performance at left guard while Smith recovers.
Bottom line
Smith’s thumb injury complicates an already demanding start to the season for Dallas. The decision to place him on injured reserve with a designation to return ensures the team can manage the roster while still aiming to return a top-valued blocker as soon as practical. The early weeks will test the depth and resilience of the Cowboys’ offensive line, with T.J. Bass stepping into a crucial role and the possibility of Leverett contributing from the interior. As the season progresses, Dallas will monitor Smith’s recovery and work to maintain consistency in protection and efficiency in the passing game.
