The Dallas Cowboys just got absolutely walloped with some brutal news right as the 2026 NFL season is kicking off. Star offensive lineman Tyler Smith is gonna be sidelined, expected to miss a solid four to six weeks, all because he had to undergo thumb surgery. This leaves Dallas without one of their most reliable blockers, hitting them hard during a super important early stretch of the season.
This Guy Is a STUD, And He’s OUT!
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just any guy on the line. Tyler Smith is a premier offensive lineman. The Cowboys picked him No. 24 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he hasn’t looked back. He started at left tackle as a rookie, which is already wild, and then he settled in at left guard, turning into one of the top players at that position. Think about it: Pro Bowl recognition in each of the past three seasons, plus a second-team All-Pro nod in 2023! This dude is a legitimate force. The Cowboys’ whole offense, the one built around protecting Dak Prescott and establishing consistency upfront, relies heavily on a guy like Smith. Losing that kind of talent, that kind of anchor, especially when their system is so dependent on it? That’s a gut punch to their entire game plan.
Durability GONE, Versatility MISSED
And get this, one of Smith’s biggest strengths has always been his durability. He’s started *all 63 games* he’s played in during his first four NFL seasons. All of them! So, an extended absence like this? It’s completely unheard of for this Cowboys standout. The timing couldn’t be worse, either. Dallas is literally gearing up for their Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants, and Smith? He was already absent from Monday practice. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer had plans for Smith, primarily at left guard, but also knew he could slide over to left tackle if needed. That versatility, that crucial insurance at multiple spots, is now totally gone. Without Smith, Dallas is forced to scramble, turning to their offensive-line depth. T.J. Bass is getting talked about as the most likely candidate to step into that left guard spot while Smith recovers. Filling those massive shoes right out of the gate? That’s a huge question mark for Week 1.
A recovery timeline stretching four to six weeks means Smith is gonna be sidelined for several crucial games to kick off the season. That puts an incredible amount of additional pressure squarely on Dak Prescott’s shoulders and on the rest of the Cowboys’ offensive line, who now have to step up big time. For a Dallas team that’s openly hoping to return to the postseason and make a serious run in the NFC this year, getting Tyler Smith healthy as fast as humanly possible just became their absolute biggest early-season priority.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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