NFL57 min ago2 minute read

Dallas Cowboys Activate Pro Bowl Guard Tyler Smith Ahead of Buccaneers Clash

The Dallas Cowboys are activating Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith from injured reserve for his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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A Big Boost for the Dallas Line

The Dallas Cowboys are getting a major boost on their offensive line. Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith is being activated from injured reserve. He is set to make his season debut in the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith has missed the first four games of the season. He underwent surgery last month to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. The injury happened during a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints just a week before the season began. T.J. Bass has been playing at left guard in his place.

Playing Through the Cast

The thumb injury made it impossible for Smith to grab or punch. Now, he is ready to return to the field. The Cowboys opened his practice window on Monday, and Smith said he will wear a cast on his thumb for extra protection.

He also noted that his conditioning is fine. He credits the athletic training and strength staffs for keeping him in shape.

The 25 year old guard is a major piece of the Dallas offense. He has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons. He joins Larry Allen and Zack Martin as the only guards in franchise history to reach three Pro Bowls in their first four years.

Sparking the Run Game

Dallas has been highly productive on offense, averaging 30.5 points per game. That mark ties them for second in the league through four weeks. However, their running game has struggled to find room consistently.

The Cowboys are averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. Javonte Williams has been the main scoring threat on the ground, accounting for five of the team's six rushing touchdowns. Getting a Pro Bowl guard back in the lineup should help the team block up front and improve those rushing numbers.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Fri, 09 Oct): Dallas Cowboys win 76%, Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 24%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 28, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21. Our safest pick: Over 41.5 points.