T.J. Bass replaces injured Tyler Smith at left guard for Cowboys
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 11:00 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Monday that left guard Tyler Smith will miss at least four weeks after undergoing thumb surgery. T.J. Bass will step into the starting lineup to fill the vacancy. Smith opted for the procedure after determining his injury prevented him from playing at a high level. Bass previously earned playing time during training camp while rotating with the first-team offensive line to manage the workload of veterans. The Cowboys rely on Bass's prior experience as a starter, noting that he recorded zero sacks and limited pressures across several starts last season. The team continues to manage its offensive line depth as it prepares for early-season divisional games.
- •Tyler Smith is expected to miss four to six weeks following thumb surgery.
- •T.J. Bass will start at left guard during Smith's recovery period.
- •Bass allowed zero sacks and four pressures during his starts last season.
- •The Cowboys look to Javonte Williams and Emari Demercado to manage the backfield.
- 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Cowboys news: All eyes on T.J. Bass stepping in for Tyler Smith at LG
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