What happened: Smith is scheduled for thumb surgery Tuesday and will go on injured reserve with a return designation. The injury had bothered him for much of training camp before Dallas determined surgery was necessary.
Why it matters: Injured reserve will sideline Smith for at least the first four games of the 2026 season. Dallas opens its schedule without a central piece of its offensive line.
By the numbers: Smith has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the past three seasons.
What to watch: The Cowboys can use Smith's IR placement to add another player to the 53-man roster. His recovery will determine when he is cleared to return.