Cowboys Get Devastating Tyler Smith News With Week 1 Just Days Away
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Tyler Smith is a vital anchor for the Dallas Cowboys because of his elite versatility and dominant blocking. Now, the team will have to figure out life without him.
First and foremost, Smith provides immense value through his ability to play multiple positions at an All-Pro level. He was drafted primarily as a tackle, but he has seamlessly transitioned between left guard and left tackle whenever injuries strike.
Consequently, the Cowboys’ offense can maintain its rhythm and structure even when key players go down.
Cowboys All-Pro Tyler Smith Set for Thumb Surgery, Out 4-6 Weeks
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith will miss four to six weeks of action. It is after he undergoes surgery to repair a lingering thumb injury. Initially, Smith attempted to play through the discomfort and avoid a surgical procedure. However, the coaching staff ultimately determined he could no longer perform at an elite level.
Consequently, the Cowboys are placing their star blocker on injured reserve. He will be forced to miss at least the first four games of the 2026 NFL regular season no matter what.
In the meantime, backup guard T.J. Bass will step into the starting lineup. Nonetheless, losing a three-time Pro Bowler creates a massive void in pass protection for quarterback Dak Prescott.
The Cowboys Are Losing The Anchor To Their Offensive Line
Tyler Smith is one of the most critical pieces of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line. Furthermore, as veteran anchors on the offensive line age or move on, Smith represents the future of the franchise.
He solidified his long-term future in Dallas by signing a massive four-year, $96 million contract extension with the Cowboys. With an average annual salary of $24 million, the extension officially made Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history at the time of signing.
Furthermore, the contract provided the young All-Pro with an immense amount of security. His latest injury is a testament to that. His deal also included a whopping $81.2 million in total guarantees. It secures his place on the Dallas offensive front line through the 2030 NFL season.
