Tyler Smith Injury Update: Will Cowboys All-Pro Play Against Buccaneers on TNF

The Dallas Cowboys are activating All-Pro offensive guard Tyler Smith from injured reserve ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith returns to the lineup after undergoing thumb surgery on September 6, which initially carried an estimated four-to-six-week recovery timeline. Following a full practice on Wednesday, the team cleared the 25-year-old lineman to play.

Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2022 first-round pick out of Tulsa, signed a four-year, $96 million contract with Dallas in September 2025. The return provides an immediate boost to the Cowboys' offense, marking Smith's first regular-season action following thumb rehabilitation and a minor offseason knee procedure completed in February.