Overview
- The Cowboys officially opened Tyler Smith’s 21‑day practice window on Monday, which formally designated him to return from injured reserve and started the team’s three‑week activation period.
- Smith took limited reps after the window opened and said he thinks it is “possible” he could play on Thursday night, but he must get through fuller, live work in Tuesday’s practice before coaches make a final decision.
- Coach Brian Schottenheimer called Smith’s progress “trending positively” and said the team will use the short‑week practices to judge grip, punch and durability after Smith’s thumb ligament surgery.
- Dallas also reported defensive setbacks with DeMarvion Overshown and Cobie Durant still hampered by hamstrings and likely unavailable for Week 5, increasing the urgency to evaluate offensive reinforcements.
- If the Cowboys activate Smith they will have until Oct. 26 to do so and must weigh that roster move against the club’s limited number of IR‑return activations and the team’s longer‑term depth needs.