The Dallas Cowboys approach their upcoming primetime game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in search of a crucial win. With a 2-2 record after narrowly defeating the Houston Texans in Week 4, Dallas aims to turn around both its offense, which has been underperforming, and a defense that ranks among the league’s worst.
The Thursday night game against the Buccaneers, who remain winless and will be without quarterback Baker Mayfield, presents a significant opportunity for Dallas to make a strong statement, bolstered by the return of a key player.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys have activated All-Pro guard Tyler Smith from injured reserve for the game against Tampa Bay. Smith sustained a torn left thumb during training camp in August, leading to surgery and placement on injured reserve. Consequently, he missed the initial four games of the season. The Cowboys initiated Smith’s 21-day practice window on Monday, with an upgrade to full participant status by Wednesday. This progression has cleared him to play.
Smith was the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 2022 and has earned accolades including three consecutive Pro Bowl selections and second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. Having started 63 games over his first four seasons, Smith is recognized as one of the premier interior offensive linemen in the NFL.
The return of Smith is a significant boost for quarterback Dak Prescott and the offensive unit. While the passing game, featuring Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, remains a threat, the run game has been struggling, averaging a mere 89.5 rushing yards per game, one of the lowest figures in the league. Smith’s presence is expected to enhance Dallas’s ground attack, although they face the challenge of Tampa Bay’s formidable run defense, which permits only 78.5 yards per game, the third fewest in the NFL.
Leave a Reply