The Dallas Cowboys will begin the 2026 season without one of the most important players on their offensive line. Tyler Smith will undergo thumb surgery and is expected to miss four to six weeks, head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Monday, Sept. 7. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
The absence is significant for Dallas because Smith has established himself as one of the NFL's top guards and has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the past three seasons.
How long will Tyler Smith be out?
The Cowboys' initial estimate is four to six weeks. Smith decided to undergo surgery because the thumb injury was limiting his ability to perform at the level he felt was necessary.
Schottenheimer explained that Smith recognized he could not perform certain tasks at a sufficiently high level and that, with the entire season still ahead, the team preferred to address the issue now. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
The decision is designed to give Smith the opportunity to return in better condition for the more important part of the season.
Tyler Smith had become a key player
Dallas selected Smith in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He began his career at left tackle before moving to guard.
Over the past three seasons, he has established himself as one of the Cowboys' most important offensive linemen and earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections. He was also named second-team All-Pro in 2023. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
His consistency has also stood out. Smith has played at least 16 games in three of his first four seasons with Dallas, making his absence an unusual change for a line that had developed stability.
T.J. Bass will take over
Smith's absence opens the door for T.J. Bass to take over at left guard during his recovery.
Schottenheimer expressed confidence in Bass and noted that he has already worked with the first-team offense during preparation. The coach believes Bass has played good football for Dallas and expects him to continue at that level while Smith is out. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
For Bass, this will be an important opportunity to prove that he can maintain the offensive line's performance against high-level opponents.
How does the injury affect the Cowboys?
Smith's absence forces Dallas to alter a position that had been a strength. The guard is particularly important to the running game but must also provide stability in pass protection.
The situation is even more significant because the Cowboys want to start the season with an offense capable of maximizing its quarterback and revamped running back group.
Losing a player with three consecutive Pro Bowls is not a minor adjustment, but the organization decided it was better to address the injury now rather than allow it to become a larger issue during the season.
When could Tyler Smith return?
The initial four-to-six-week timeline puts Smith's potential return around mid-to-late October, depending on his recovery and how he responds after surgery.
The Cowboys do not need to rush his return. The regular season is long, and the goal will be to have Smith in the best possible condition when he comes back.
In the meantime, Bass' performance will be one of the situations Dallas monitors closely.
A significant challenge from the start
Tyler Smith's injury does not automatically change the Cowboys' expectations, but it adds an important variable to their start.
Dallas will need to find stability without one of its top offensive linemen for roughly a month. If Bass performs well and the line maintains its level, the Cowboys can reduce the impact of Smith's absence.
According to Schottenheimer, the priority is allowing Smith to fully recover so he can return and perform at the level that has made him a three-time Pro Bowler.