Cowboys Look to Turn the Tide as Key Player Returns

The Dallas Cowboys prepare for a crucial primetime game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a pressing need for victory. Their current record stands at 2-2, following a narrow victory over the Houston Texans in Week 4. The team’s offense has shown uncharacteristic inconsistency, while the defense remains one of the league’s weakest.

Facing a winless Buccaneers team on Thursday night, the Cowboys have a golden chance to prove themselves, particularly since Tampa Bay will be without their quarterback, Baker Mayfield. An additional boost for Dallas is the return of one of their top players, Tyler Smith.

“Tyler Smith has been activated from injured reserve to play against the Bucs,” reported NFL insider Ian Rapoport on Thursday morning.

Smith, an All-Pro guard, injured his left thumb during August’s training camp. After undergoing surgery, the Cowboys placed him on injured reserve just before the regular season’s start. This sidelined him for at least four games. The Cowboys began his 21-day practice window on Monday, and Smith participated fully by Wednesday. He is now deemed ready to play.

Selected as the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 2022, Smith has received three consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was a second-team All-Pro in 2023. He has started 63 games in his first four seasons and is recognized as one of the top interior linemen in the league.

With the offense’s recent struggles, Smith’s return is expected to benefit Dak Prescott and his team significantly. Despite a strong passing game with Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, the Cowboys’ ground game falters at only 89.5 rushing yards per game, ranking low in the league. Although the Buccaneers boast a formidable run defense, allowing just 78.5 rushing yards per game, Smith’s presence should bolster the Cowboys’ offense.