Cowboys place Tyler Smith on injured reserve before Giants season opener

The Dallas Cowboys will face the New York Giants in their regular-season opener without left guard Tyler Smith. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that Smith will undergo thumb surgery on September 8 and be placed on the Reserve/Injured list. The 25-year-old lineman is expected to miss four to six weeks of action. Smith, a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft, allowed 26 total pressures and three sacks across 700 pass-blocking snaps during the 2025 season. His absence shifts the composition of the Cowboys' offensive front for the primetime matchup. For the New York Giants, the change presents a potential opportunity for defensive players Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter to face less resistance while rushing the passer.

• 7:44 PMYahoo Sports — Giants set to avoid injured Cowboys star in Week 1 opener