Brutal injury news for the Cowboys will put overlooked $6 million decision to the test way earlier than expected
The Dallas Cowboys’ starting lineup just suffered a tough blow right before Week 1 against the New York Giants.
When the Dallas Cowboys signed backup offensive lineman T.J. Bass to a second-round tender worth $5.76 million, it was considered a surprise. Now, it’s about to become one of the most important decisions of the offseason.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Monday that All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith is undergoing thumb surgery on Tuesday. He’s going on Injured Reserve and is expected to miss four to six weeks.
The news shoves Bass into the spotlight, as he’s set to start between left tackle Tyler Guyton and center Cooper Beebe (a three-lineman combo the Cowboys also were forced to use early in 2025).
Bass is a quality backup
The decision to tender Bass has been overlooked because he’s a backup, but it’s one of the most important calls the Cowboys made this year. At the time, it felt like the Cowboys would opt for Brock Hoffman, who had experience filling in for Dallas at guard and center.
The Cowboys choosing Bass instead was interpreted by many (myself included) as a way to get insurance at left guard should Tyler Smith need to play tackle. That’s how Bass got on the field late last season. Ironically, this time, it’s Smith the Cowboys need to replace.
Obviously, it’s a tough blow for the Cowboys but the good news is Bass is widely seen as the best backup lineman on the team. He started five games for the Cowboys in 2025, both at left and right guard. Early in the year, the offense averaged 35 points per game in Bass’ three starts at right guard.
“That’s why we coveted T.J. Bass,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “He’s played a lot of really good football for us and we expect he’ll continue to do so.”
Tough slate of games to lose Tyler Smith
Schottenheimer outlined a 4-6 week timetable for Smith’s return. My guess? Week 6 is the likeliest return date, as the Cowboys will be coming off of a long week. NFL teams often take advantage of such windows. Keep in mind, Dallas has a short week in Week 5 so Week 4 will be a stretch.
It’s a tough stretch to be without Smith, as the Cowboys face very good defensive tackles in that span:
- Week 1: The Giants lost star DT Dexter Lawrence but signed DJ Reader in free agency.
- Week 2: The Commanders reinforced their defensive front around long-time standout Daron Payne.
- Week 3: Travis Jones and Nnamdi Madubuike might be one of the best iDL duos in the league.
- Week 4: The stars are at EDGE but Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai are a solid duo with good depth behind them.
It’s a tough loss but one the Cowboys have a legitimate chance of overcoming based on Bass being a high-end backup and what surrounds him in the Dallas offense. Even still, losing one of the top linemen in the NFL hurts. A lot.
