Disaster strikes Dallas as Tyler Smith set to miss several weeks

Disaster strikes Dallas as Tyler Smith set to miss several weeks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Dallas Cowboys have been dealt a significant blow along their offensive line just as the 2026 NFL season is getting underway. Star offensive lineman Tyler Smith is expected to miss approximately four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his thumb, leaving Dallas without one of its most reliable blockers during an important early stretch of the season. Smith's absence would be especially difficult for a Cowboys offense built around protecting quarterback Dak Prescott and establishing consistency up front. The 25-year-old Smith has developed into one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen since Dallas selected him with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He started at left tackle as a rookie before eventually settling in at left guard, where he became one of the league's top players at the position. Smith has earned Pro Bowl recognition in each of the past three seasons and was a second-team All-Pro in 2023. His durability has also been one of his biggest strengths. Smith has started all 63 games he has played during his first four NFL seasons, making an extended absence particularly unusual for the Cowboys' standout lineman. Cowboys forced to adjust Dallas entered the season planning to use Smith primarily at left guard, although head coach Brian Schottenheimer had indicated Smith could also receive snaps at left tackle when needed. That versatility makes losing him even more significant because he provided the Cowboys with insurance at multiple positions. Without Smith, Dallas will have to turn to its offensive-line depth. T.J. Bass is one of the most likely candidates to step into the lineup at left guard while Smith recovers. The timing couldn't be much worse. Dallas is preparing for its Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants, and Smith was absent from the Cowboys' Monday practice. A four-to-six-week recovery timetable could keep Smith sidelined for several games, putting additional pressure on Prescott and the rest of the Cowboys' offensive line. For a Dallas team hoping to return to the postseason and make a serious run in the NFC, getting Smith healthy as quickly as possible will now become one of its biggest early-season priorities. More NFL news: