Cowboys guard Tyler Smith to have thumb surgery, placed on IR

Dallas Cowboys All-Pro guard Tyler Smith will have thumb surgery, head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced on Monday. Once the procedure takes place, Smith will be placed on injured reserve. He is expected to remain sidelined for at least a month, with six weeks appearing to be the long end of the timetable. 'Cowboys LG Tyler Smith is going to have surgery on his thumb tomorrow and will go on IR for a projected 4-6 weeks, per Brian Schottenheimer,' Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News said via X. 'Cowboys gave a second round tender to TJ Bass this offseason. They believe he's a starting caliber guard. Now he'll have the chance to show it again with Tyler Smith out.' Interior offensive line was going to be a position of strength heading into the 2026 season. Smith is one of the league's best on the left side. At one point, the Cowboys thought of moving him out to tackle. But keeping him at guard meant Smith could continue his All-Pro level at the position. Next to Smith — and now Bass — is Cooper Beebe. He's back for another year at starting center after battling injuries. Another exciting player at right guard, Tyler Booker, enters his second season in the NFL after being a first-round pick. Now, the perceived fantastic trio loses arguably the best player. This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.