Tyler Smith returns to practice as Cowboys open IR window

The Dallas Cowboys are getting a major piece of their offensive line closer to the field, designating All-Pro guard Tyler Smith to return from injured reserve. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer indicated Smith will be back on the practice field this week, clearing a key hurdle in his recovery from thumb surgery.

Dallas placed Smith on IR shortly after final roster cuts, delaying his 2026 debut. With the Cowboys scheduled for a Thursday matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, opening his practice window means he is now eligible to be activated in time for that game, though the team has not committed to when he will officially rejoin the 53-man roster.

Timeline lines up with Cowboys’ mini-bye

Because this week’s contest comes on a Thursday, the Cowboys will benefit from an extended break before their next outing. That mini-bye provides additional practice time and recovery days, increasing the chances Smith will be available no later than Week 6 if his progress continues. Bringing him back would bolster both pass protection and the running game for Dallas.

Smith had not appeared in a game this season while rehabbing from the thumb procedure, but a return to practice indicates the rehab has advanced to the point where contact could soon be possible. Even if the coaching staff eases him in or limits his initial workload, simply having him back in the rotation would represent a significant boost for the interior of the Cowboys’ line.

IR activations shrinking for Dallas

Smith’s eventual activation will also affect the Cowboys’ flexibility with injured reserve for the remainder of the year. Once he is added back to the active roster, Dallas will be down to five remaining IR-return activations for the rest of the regular season under league rules.

The Cowboys had already used two of their allotted IR-return designations in August on linebacker Marist Liufau and cornerback Devin Moore. Both players count against the season total even though they are not slated to return to practice this week. That reality tightens the team’s options if further injuries pile up later in the schedule.

For now, the focus in Dallas is on getting Smith through his first practices and determining when he can safely be reinserted into game action. Whether his comeback comes in time for the Buccaneers game or shortly afterward in Week 6, his looming return is a welcome development for a Cowboys offense that leans heavily on strong interior line play.