Cowboys guard Tyler Smith set to make his season debut against the Bucs coming off thumb surgery

Dallas Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith is poised to make his season debut against Tampa Bay on Thursday night, returning from a thumb injury that sidelined him for four games. Smith, a Pro Bowl three-time selection, underwent thumb surgery just before the season opener after being placed on injured reserve. The injury occurred during Dallas' training camp and Smith tried to play through the pain.

He had been listed as questionable following a limited practice due to the short week, but the decision to undergo surgery was made the week before the matchup against the New York Giants. The Cowboys' first-round draft pick in 2022, Smith, had missed a career-high five games in his first four seasons before this return. The return of Smith allows the Cowboys to have their full starting lineup on the field, with T.J.

Bass filling in for Smith, who is the second-most experienced lineman on the team behind right tackle Terence Steele. To accommodate Smith on the 53-man roster, the Cowboys waived running back Emari Demercado. Additionally, cornerback Reddy Steward and safety Juanyeh Thomas were promoted from the practice squad for the game against the Bucs, both having been called up from the practice squad for the Cowboys' previous win against Houston.