The Dallas Cowboys may be on the verge of getting a major lift up front.
On Monday, the team opened the 21-day practice window for left guard Tyler Smith, who has been on injured reserve after thumb surgery. Smith’s return had already been projected in the four-to-six week range by head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and now the path is there for him to get back on the field in Week 5.
"The Cowboys have opened All-Pro guard Tyler Smith's 21-day practice window," Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com wrote.
Schottenheimer has already made it clear Smith is in the mix for Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Speaking to ESPN’s Todd Archer, he said, "He's been great, condition looks great," Schottenheimer said, per ESPN's Todd Archer. "He's one of those guys that we'll look at after this game that potentially could be ready to go for Tampa.
"I think he's probably at the head of the list, if you will, because I know he's ready to get back out there. I know he's really good at football and I know that he's wanting to play."
Dallas will release its first injury report of the week on Monday, since the Week 5 matchup with Tampa Bay lands on Thursday, so the next update should tell a lot more. For now, the expectation is that Smith would at least be limited if he practices, though a full session would be a much stronger sign that he could suit up.
Smith’s absence has pushed T.J. Bass into the starting role, and Bass has held up reasonably well, even if the drop-off has been noticeable.
Through four games, Bass owns a 66.9 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranks 22nd among qualified guards. In pass protection, though, his 56.6 grade sits 48th at the position.
He hasn’t allowed a sack, and he’s given up 11 pressures.
Still, Dallas has had real trouble moving the ball on the ground. Javonte Williams has averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, and the Cowboys have produced only one strong rushing performance all season, which came in Week 3.
That’s where Smith changes the picture. He was one of the league’s best run blockers last season, posting an 81.0 run-blocking grade that ranked fifth among guards. He should give Dallas a much-needed boost in the running game, and he’s also an upgrade in pass protection over Bass, which would help the line in more than one way.
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