Full Breakdown
Dallas Cowboys Adjust Offensive Line After Tyler Smith Thumb Surgery
9/8/2026, 8:44:48 PM
Core Event: Smith’s Thumb Surgery and IR Designation
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith will undergo thumb surgery on Tuesday morning and is expected to be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return. The coach projected a recovery period of four to six weeks, meaning Smith will miss the first four to five games. T.J. Bass, who received a second-round restricted-free-agent tender in the offseason, will assume the starting left-guard role.
Background & Context
Tyler Smith was the 24th overall pick in the 2022 draft, started all 17 games as a rookie, moved inside in 2023, earned second-team All-Pro honors and three Pro Bowls. In September 2025 he signed a four-year, $96 million extension—$81.2 million guaranteed—making him the league’s highest-paid guard at $24 million per season.
T.J. Bass entered the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent from Oregon in 2023 and signed a second-round tender on March 17 worth $5.76 million. Over three seasons he has started 10 of 48 games and logged 198 pass-blocking snaps last season, allowing eight pressures and no sacks, the fewest among Cowboys linemen with at least 190 snaps. PFF graded him 30th of 81 qualified guards.
Data & Statistics
- Tyler Smith: 63 career starts; $24 million per season salary.
- T.J. Bass: $5.76 million tender; 10 starts in 48 games; 198 pass-blocking snaps, 8 pressures, 0 sacks; PFF rank 30/81.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Schottenheimer said Smith’s toughness was never in question but the injury required surgery. He expressed confidence in Bass, noting his familiarity with the line and “a ton of confidence” that the unit will perform despite the change.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tyler Smith’s a great player, but we feel really confident in T.J., and he’s put great film on here,” — Brian Schottenheimer
- “Tyler Smith is going to have surgery on his thumb tomorrow morning, something that he’s just been dealing with, and he’ll probably go on IR/DTR, four to six weeks,” — Brian Schottenheimer
Timeline
- March 17 – Bass signs a second-round tender worth $5.76 million.
- Tuesday (pre-season) – Smith undergoes thumb surgery.
- Following surgery – Smith placed on IR/DTR; expected absence of four to six weeks.
- Week 5 – Earliest possible activation, pending clearance.
What’s Next
Bass will start at left guard for the opening games, including the season opener against the New York Giants. The coaching staff will integrate him into first- and second-down schemes this week. Smith’s recovery will be monitored with the goal of returning by week 5 when Dallas faces Tampa Bay.
