Cowboys Could Get Tyler Smith Back for Thursday Night as All-Pro Guard Trends Toward 2026 Debut

Dallas listed All-Pro guard Tyler Smith as questionable for Thursday night's clash with the Buccaneers after a full Wednesday practice — his first since thumb surgery kept him out all season. The Cowboys ruled out three players, while Tampa Bay officially sidelined four, including quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Cowboys Could Get Tyler Smith Back for Thursday Night as All-Pro Guard Trends Toward 2026 Debut

The Dallas Cowboys may finally get their most important offensive lineman back for Thursday Night Football. Guard Tyler Smith, who has missed the entire season after undergoing last-minute thumb surgery before Week 1, was listed as questionable for the Week 5 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following a full practice on Wednesday — his first full session since his 21-day return-to-practice window opened this week. Getting Smith back would be a significant boost for a Cowboys offense that is coming off a 34-30 win over Houston and has leaned heavily on quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb (thigh) carries no injury designation into the game, while newly acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is expected to handle a full workload. Dallas ruled out three players: linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, cornerback Cobie Durant and offensive tackle Drew Shelton, all with hamstring injuries. Receiver Jonathan Mingo was a late addition to the report with an illness and is questionable. The winless Buccaneers arrive in Arlington short-handed as well. Head coach Todd Bowles ruled out Mayfield (thumb), safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (rib), cornerback Benjamin Morrison (quad) and linebacker SirVocea Dennis (ankle/foot), meaning rookie Jalon Daniels makes his second NFL start. Kicker Chase McLaughlin will play despite a groin/hip issue, and rookie Rueben Bain is expected to return. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium on Prime Video.