By admin 
Dak Prescott, George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb form one of the most feared trios in the NFL going into the 2026 season following their eye-catching performances during the 2025 campaign. The Dallas Cowboys averaged 27.7 points per game and scored 471 points during the 2025 season, the seventh-highest total in the NFL. The offensive unit lived up to the hype despite the Cowboys’ disappointing end to the 2025 season.
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Prescott was the leader of this offense, as he threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns. The Cowboys quarterback got ample support from Pickens and Lamb, who recorded 1,429 and 1,077 receiving yards, respectively. We also saw Javonte Williams step up as he led the backfield with 1,201 rushing yards. As a result, the Cowboys look like a complete offensive unit heading into their first regular-season game against the New York Giants.
However, Brian Schottenheimer and the Cowboys offense have been dealt an unfortunate setback before the season opener against the Giants. Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith is expected to miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to address a nagging thumb injury.
This is a huge cause for concern for the Cowboys, as Smith is not only one of the league’s top guards, but he is also an experienced presence for younger players like Tyler Guyton, who is entering his third season in Dallas at left tackle. However, the good news for Schottenheimer is that he has T.J. Bass as Smith’s replacement. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys placed a second-round tender on Bass during the offseason to provide cover in situations like this.
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Prescott acknowledged the quality Bass brings to the table. Speaking to the media before the Giants game, Prescott said, “T.J. is a true pro. I don’t know the number of starts TJ has under his belt, but it’s a good number, or just number of plays he’s come into the game and done exactly his job and done well at his job.”
“So, yeah, obviously you missing a guy like Tyler, it sucks, but when you’ve got a guy like TJ, you don’t even flinch.”
Prescott would love to have Smith back as soon as possible, but having Bass as Smith’s replacement should give the offense some assurance going into the season opener.
Related: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Dealt Unfortunate News Before Giants Game
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This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 4:04 AM.