Giants' trade eases Cowboys' Week 1 test without Tyler Smith

Dallas' All-Pro guard is expected out four to six weeks.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 71 min read

One positive for the Cowboys playing the Giants in the season opener without starting LG Tyler Smith, their best offensi Via @WerderEdNFL on X

What happened: Tyler Smith is scheduled for thumb surgery and will move to injured reserve. The New York Giants previously traded away the defensive tackle viewed as their toughest interior matchup.

Why it matters: That departure gives the Dallas Cowboys one fewer elite interior blocker assignment while a reserve starts at left guard. The division rivals open their seasons in prime time Sept. 13.

By the numbers: Smith's projected four-to-six-week absence

What to watch: Dallas' Week 1 line configuration will show how it plans to protect the replacement left guard against New York's remaining front.

Sources

@WerderEdNFL 2026-09-07T21:16:34.013984+00:00

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