IR-return season is upon us, and the Cowboys will make a key move on the first day. Tyler Smith is returning to practice this week, per Brian Schottenheimer (via All City DLLS’ Clarence Hill).
The Cowboys placed Smith on IR shortly after cutdown day, with thumb surgery delaying the All-Pro guard’s 2026 debut. Although the Cowboys are set for a Thursday game against the Buccaneers, Smith’s return to practice will make him eligible for an activation ahead of that game.
If/once Smith is activated — presumably by Week 6 at the latest, given the mini-bye on Dallas’ schedule — the Cowboys will be down to five injury activations remaining during the regular season. The team used its two allotted August IR-return designations on linebacker Marist Liufau and cornerback Devin Moore. Those two already count against Dallas’ activation total, but neither is returning to practice this week.
More to come.