Cowboys To Place G Tyler Smith On IR

Smith faces a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, per Schottenheimer. This had been a nagging issue, Archer adds. Smith’s preference had been to avoid undergoing a procedure, but with one now in store he will miss a portion of Dallas’ campaign. Surgery will take place tomorrow, per Archer.

Since arriving in the NFL as a first-round pick in 2022, Smith has established himself as one of the league’s top offensive linemen. Settling in better at guard than tackle, he earned a second-team All-Pro nod in 2023. Smith has also been a Pro Bowler in each of the past three seasons.

Tyler Guyton did enough this offseason to ensure his spot atop the left tackle depth chart, ending the possibility of Smith being moved to the blindside as a contingency team and player hoped to avoid. Expectations for the left side of the Cowboys’ line will nevertheless be lowered for September with Smith out of the picture. T.J. Bass will take over LG duties, Schottenheimer added.

Last September, Smith inked a four-year extension. The average annual value of that pact ($24MM) reset the guard market, and only one deal signed since (Peter Skoronski’s Titans extension) has surpassed its value. Under contract through 2030, Smith is expected to remain a foundational figure up front for Dallas during the coming campaign and well beyond.

That will of course still be the case later this season for the Tulsa product. In general, another standout offensive showing is expected for the Cowboys in 2026 following an offseason focused on much-needed defensive upgrades. But much of the team’s ability to remain productive on offense will depend on the play of Smith and Co. up front. His absence will be acutely felt.

Dallas was one of several teams to take advantage of the fact that two players can be moved to injured reserve while being designated for return during roster cutdowns. Both linebacker Marist Liufau and cornerback Devin Moore already count toward the Cowboys’ eight in-season activations as a result. Smith will represent another once he is brought back onto the active roster.