Cowboys To Activate Tyler Smith From IR

Smith is being activated from injured reserve, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. He had his practice window opened on Monday, giving the Cowboys 21 days to bring him back onto the active roster. Having practiced in full yesterday, Smith could make his season debut during Dallas’ Thursday night matchup with the Buccaneers.

When speaking on 105.3 The Fan yesterday, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said (via ESPN’s Todd Archer) he was unsure if Smith would be able to play right after returning to practice. Given today’s news, though, it would certainly come as no surprise if the three-time Pro Bowler were to be in the fold tonight as he makes his way back from thumb surgery. That would of course offer a considerable boost up front for the Cowboys.

Smith has been an anchor up front since arriving as a first-round pick in 2022. He has seen time at left tackle, but team and player in this case have made clear their shared preference of a permanent left guard residency. Dallas has leaned on Tyler Guyton at left tackle to start the season, and that can be expected to continue moving forward. Smith’s return should offer a boost to Guyton on the blindside.

Scoring has not proven to be an issue so far in the Cowboys’ case. Dallas is averaging 30.5 points per game early this season, and Smith returning to the fold will help on that side of the ball. Struggles on defense and special teams have contributed to a 2-2 start, leaving plenty of room for improvement. Dallas’ level of play up front should nevertheless be upgraded with Smith – attached to a four-year, $96MM deal – back on the field.

Smith landed on IR after roster cuts, meaning his activation was not already accounted for. Bringing him back onto the active roster will leave the Cowboys with five activations for the remainder of the regular season.