FRISCO, Texas - The Cowboys went through all of training camp and the preseason without a major injury, but that has changed now, with All-Pro guard Tyler Smith expected to go on injured reserve.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Monday that Smith will undergo surgery on his thumb, fixing a nagging injury that has bothered him for a while. Smith will go to IR-designated for return, which will free up a roster spot for now.
With Smith out, the Cowboys can likely turn to T.J. Bass, who has 10 career starts, including five last year. The Cowboys gave Bass a second-round restricted free agent tender this offseason, securing his spot on the roster as a key reserve – for moments just like this.
As the Cowboys look to fill the roster spot, one option could be to add Nick Leverett from the practice squad. Leverett had a strong camp and preseason as a backup center and will likely assume that role with Bass now projected to start.