Overview
- The Cowboys designated Tyler Smith for return to practice, opening his 21‑day evaluation window on Monday so coaches can monitor his recovery from thumb surgery.
- Smith was listed as limited in Monday's session and coach Brian Schottenheimer said he is 'trending positively' toward playing Thursday with a final decision likely to come after Tuesday's evaluations.
- If Dallas activates Smith during the window the club will use one of its season IR‑return designations, a move that would reduce the team’s remaining injury activations.
- Smith is a three‑time Pro Bowler and 2023 All‑Pro on a four‑year, $96 million deal whose return would strengthen the interior line after T.J. Bass filled in and played every offensive snap to this point.
- The short week limits practice reps and raises the urgency of the decision, so expect a quick roster move or the team to preserve depth depending on Tuesday’s medical and practice findings.