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Tyler Smith has been an anchor for the Dallas Cowboys since entering the league in 2022. Smith broke onto the scene, starting in all 17 games for Dallas his rookie season and being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. The All-Pro guard has been selected as a Pro Bowler the last three seasons and is widely considered one of the best guards in football.
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The Cowboys had an explosive offense under second-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer in 2025 that finished No. 2 overall in scoring offense. With quarterback Dak Prescott returning to a loaded offense that includes weapons like All-Pro wide receivers George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, running back Javonte Williams and tight end Jake Ferguson, team president and general manager Jerry Jones and the Dallas fan base have high expectations for 2026.
Those expectations could be tempered down as the 2026 NFL regular season approaches, as unfortunate news recently broke about the 6-foot-5 guard.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported on Dallas releasing its depth chart for its Week 1 opener against the New York Giants for the 2026 NFL regular season. One name absent from the depth chart was a mainstay on the line, No. 73. Archer reported that guard TJ Bass will replace Smith at guard.
Smith recently had thumb surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss four to six weeks. The 25-year-old tore a ligament in his left thumb, an injury that occurred during training camp.
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“Cowboys unofficial depth chart going into Week 1,” Archer wrote. “Obviously Tyler Smith will be replaced by TJ Bass. Smith had his thumb surgery today.”
Cowboys unofficial depth chart going into Week 1. Obviously Tyler Smith will be replaced by TJ Bass. Smith had his thumb surgery today. pic.twitter.com/zChfmIpn01
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 8, 2026
Dallas will head to MetLife Stadium to open the 2026 NFL regular season as they face the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 8:20 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published September 8, 2026 at 10:10 PM.