Tyler Smith to Miss at Least a Month Due to Thumb Injury

Tyler Smith, the left guard for the Dallas Cowboys, is set to miss a minimum of one month due to a left thumb injury that requires surgery.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that Smith will be placed on injured reserve, which mandates he miss at least four games. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, and recovery could take up to six weeks. Smith had been managing ligament damage during training camp but was unable to practice at the start of the week leading up to the season opener against the New York Giants.

T.J. Bass, a fourth-year player with ten career starts, will take over Smith's position. The Cowboys had recently re-signed Bass on a one-year contract worth $5.8 million. Smith's return could be possible in Week 5 against Tampa Bay, although a more likely comeback would be on October 18 against Green Bay. This injury adds to the challenges faced by the Cowboys' offensive line, which has been under scrutiny this summer.