What happened: Tyler Smith is scheduled for thumb surgery Tuesday and is expected to go on injured reserve. Dallas tested whether he could keep playing before deciding an operation was necessary.
Why it matters: An injured-reserve placement rules Smith out for the first four games of the 2026 season. The three-time Pro Bowl guard's absence creates an immediate depth test for the Cowboys' offensive line.
By the numbers: Bass has made 10 career starts, including five last season.
What to watch: Dallas must determine whether Smith is ready when he first becomes eligible to return.