Overview
- Tyler Smith underwent thumb/hand surgery and was placed on injured reserve with a four‑to‑six week timetable, which fulfilled the minimum four‑game absence.
- The Cowboys say Smith is “trending positively” and reporters on Monday indicated the team is likely to open his 21‑day practice window to evaluate him for a return.
- Once the practice window is opened the team has 21 days to decide whether to move Smith to the 53‑man roster, a procedural step that does not guarantee immediate activation.
- Because the injury was to Smith’s hand, conditioning is not expected to limit him but grip strength and game‑readiness will be the key medical checks during short‑week practices.
- T.J. Bass and temporary depth additions have been holding the left‑guard spot and the club’s choice now could quickly affect pass protection, run blocking and lineup continuity if Smith is cleared to play Thursday.