Injury Fallout: Cowboys OL dominoes topple over with Smith move to IR

The Dallas Cowboys experienced their first significant setback on Monday when they announced that left guard Tyler Smith would miss the first third of the season due to injury. Smith, the team's best offensive lineman and a three-time Pro Bowler, will undergo surgery, which is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks. This development compels the Cowboys to delve into their contingency plan much earlier in the season than anticipated.

With Smith sidelined, starting left tackle Tyler Guyton may face an early departure from the lineup, potentially affecting the team's performance in their inaugural matchups. The Giants and Commanders games, as well as the upcoming trip to face the Baltimore Ravens and the return trip to Texas against the Houston Texans, could all be jeopardized by Smith's absence.

To fill the void left by Smith, the Cowboys plan to rely on TJ Bass, a second-round free agent retention, who will slide into Smith's starting position. While Bass has proven himself as a reliable backup, he is still a step below Smith's caliber. The team now faces the challenge of finding a suitable backup for the left guard position, as Bass will be the primary backup at left guard.

The Cowboys may need to utilize their positional elevations to bolster their offensive line. Nick Leverett, a fourth-round rookie, is expected to take on the role of the first man off the bench at left guard should any interior linemen become injured. Additionally, Broderick Jones, the recently signed free agent, may also be included in the depth chart should he recover in time for game action.

This shift in the Cowboys' depth chart underscores the magnitude of Smith's injury and the potential impact it may have on the team's offensive performance.