Dallas Cowboys starting left guard Tyler Smith will undergo thumb surgery and is headed to injured reserve, coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Smith, who has been selected as a Pro Bowler each of the past three seasons, will miss at least the first four games of the season, per ESPN.
Cowboys G Tyler Smith will be placed on injured reserve (thumb), will be out for at least 4 weeks. pic.twitter.com/GyBwYw16hF
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2026
He has been bothered by the injury for some time and had been hoping to avoid surgery.
T.J Bass will replace Smith in the starting lineup, Schottenheimer said.
Cowboys Lock Up Quinnen Williams Through 2030 Season
Last month, Dallas Cowboys and their star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams reached a three-year extension.
The new contract worth $105.9 million, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Contract Breakdown
ESPN reported that the deal includes $101 million guaranteed with $63.35 million guaranteed at signing, according to sources. Williams also received a signing bonus of $31.85 million, a source said.
The $35.3 million annual average is the second highest among defensive tackles.
Williams, 28, had been signed through 2027 in a four-year extension worth $96 million that guaranteed him $66 million from the New York Jets in 2023. He is now signed through 2030.
Trade Justification
Over seven games with the team last year since his acquisition in that trade, Williams has tallied 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 33 QB hurries, two TFLs and a pass deflection.
Over his career, Williams – who has been a four-time Pro Bowler – has 342 tackles to his name with 41.5 sacks, 60 TFLs, 134 QB hurries, 15 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions.


