Tyler Smith's serious injury disrupts the Dallas Cowboys' plans for the start of the NFL season

The Dallas Cowboys have been handed an unwelcome setback just days before their 2026 season opener against the New York Giants , with All-Pro guard Tyler Smith set to miss four to six weeks after suffering a thumb injury.

Smith is scheduled to undergo surgery, creating an immediate hole in an offensive line that had been expected to provide stability from the opening snap.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer explained that Smith had reached the point where playing through the problem wasn't the right option, particularly because grip strength is so important for an offensive lineman.

“At the end of the day, you always see if you can kinda play through these things,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “He’s done things like that, as a lot of guys have; they’ve been able to play through them.

“Unfortunately, when you’re an offensive lineman, grip strength and things like that are really important. Again, we know he’s a quick healer, and we want to get it fixed. He’ll be back before too long.”

Smith's absence is significant because he's developed into one of Dallas' most dependable offensive linemen since being selected 24th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. After beginning his career at left tackle, he established himself as a force at left guard and earned Pro Bowl honors following the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons.

His previous injury problems have caused him to miss a handful of games, but none have created a situation quite like this so close to the beginning of a new season.

T.J. Bass gives Dallas a trusted replacement

Fortunately for the Cowboys, they aren't entering this crisis without an experienced option. T.J. Bass is expected to take over at left guard while Smith recovers, giving Dallas a player the coaching staff already knows and trusts.

Bass has appeared in 48 games during his three-year career and has made 10 starts. Five of those starts came during the 2025 season, meaning he's already demonstrated that he can handle an expanded role when circumstances demand it.

The Cowboys also made a significant commitment to keeping Bass this offseason, tendering him for approximately $5.76 million. That decision now looks particularly valuable.

It means that rather than having to search outside the organization for an emergency replacement, Dallas can turn to a lineman who's familiar with its system and has experience playing alongside key members of the current unit.

Schottenheimer has repeatedly expressed confidence in Bass , describing him as a talented player who's simply been stuck behind several highly regarded starters. Bass has previously played beside Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton , which should help minimize the disruption caused by Smith's absence.

There will inevitably be a difference between replacing an established All-Pro and inserting a reserve into the lineup. However, guard may be the position where Dallas is best equipped to absorb an injury of this magnitude.

The Cowboys will still need Bass to perform immediately, particularly with a demanding opening stretch ahead. But if he can provide dependable protection and maintain the physicality expected from Dallas' interior offensive line, the team should be able to weather Smith's absence.