Cowboys guard Tyler Smith to have thumb surgery, miss 4-6 weeks

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys entered this week appearing to have gotten through training camp in exceptional health. That changed Monday as Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed that All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith is going to have thumb surgery Tuesday. He will be placed on injured reserve with the hope that he can return in four-to-six weeks. Top reserve offensive lineman T.J. Bass will now start at left guard. Advertisement Smith is Dallas' best offensive lineman, so this is a significant loss. The Cowboys were expecting to enter the season with one of the NFL's best offensive line interiors with Smith, center Cooper Beebe and right guard Tyler Booker. The Cowboys should still have one of the league's top offenses without Smith but franchise quarterback Dak Prescott might have to get the ball out quicker in the passing game and the run game will likely take a little bit of a step back. Dallas opens its season on 'Sunday Night Football' at the New York Giants. This story will be updated Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle