The Dallas Cowboys head into their primetime matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needing a win. They’re 2-2 after narrowly scraping by the Houston Texans in Week 4, their offense has looked uncharacteristically average, and their defense remains among the worst in the league. Thursday night against the winless Bucs, who will be without Baker Mayfield, is a prime opportunity to make a statement, and Dallas will get to do it with one of its best players back in action.
On Thursday morning, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Cowboys have activated All-Pro guard Tyler Smith from injured reserve to play in the Bucs game. More news: Commanders Scramble for Receiver Help After Terry McLaurin Injury Smith tore his left thumb during training camp in August and underwent surgery before being placed on IR right before the start of the regular season, forcing him to miss at least the first four games. The Cowboys opened his 21-day practice window on Monday, and he was upgraded to a full participant on Wednesday.
Now, he has apparently done enough to suit up. Smith, the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 2022, has earned three straight Pro Bowl nods and second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. He started 63 games in his first four seasons and remains one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL.
More news: Eagles Make Move at RB Amid Saquon Barkley Injury Concerns More news: Cardinals Urged to Turn to Rookie QB Carson Beck After Giants Loss With how the offense has struggled, this is a massive boost for Dak Prescott and company. Dallas’ passing game is still a force with Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, but the run game in particular has been holding the team back, averaging just 89.5 rushing yards per game, among the lowest marks in the league. Getting Smith back should help, even though the Bucs have one of the stingiest run defenses in the NFL, allowing the third-fewest yards per game (78.5).
Extract — continue reading at the source.
