Dallas just got a jolt on their offensive line: left guard Tyler Smith was officially designated for return from injured reserve on Monday. This is a big deal for the Cowboys, but it also means the clock is ticking for everyone.
The 21-Day Countdown Is On
When Smith got that designation, it opened up a 21-day window. That’s how long he’s got to practice with the team and get activated. The good news for the ‘Boys is he can be brought back to the active roster at any point during that time. It’s not a guaranteed return to the field, but it’s a huge step forward from being sidelined.
The Road Back From Surgery
Smith went under the knife for thumb surgery even before Week 1 kicked off. The initial word was he’d be out for somewhere between four to six weeks while he recovered. Now, as the Cowboys head into a short week with a Thursday game looming against the Buccaneers, head coach Brian Schottenheimer isn’t ready to make any promises. At his press conference, Schottenheimer was clear: it’s still too soon to tell if Smith will actually be able to play in that upcoming game.
So, while the designation is a positive sign for Dallas, they’ve still got questions heading into that Thursday night matchup with the Buccaneers. Everyone’s watching to see if Smith gets the green light or if the wait continues.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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