FRISCO, Texas — he Dallas Cowboys are entering the regular season with plenty of optimism surrounding a revamped roster, but they will have to make an early adjustment along the offensive line.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Monday that starting left guard Tyler Smith is scheduled to undergo surgery on his thumb and is expected to miss approximately four to six weeks.
Smith has dealt with the injury throughout training camp, but the Cowboys ultimately decided that surgery was the best course of action rather than asking him to continue playing through it.
“For an offensive lineman, grip strength and things like that are really important,” Schottenheimer said.
The loss of Smith is significant for an offensive line that the Cowboys believe has improved in both athleticism and depth. But Schottenheimer expressed confidence in TJ Bass, who is expected to step into Smith’s role.
Bass has extensive experience with the Cowboys and has played alongside several members of the current offensive line. Schottenheimer pointed to that familiarity as one reason the team is comfortable making the transition.
“He’s a damn good football player,” Schottenheimer said of Bass.
Bass has also benefited from taking regular practice reps with the starting group, giving him experience communicating with players such as Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton.
Schottenheimer said the Cowboys have confidence in the entire offensive line to handle the challenge, particularly against a Giants defensive front that features several experienced and talented pass rushers.
Dallas will face a New York defense that has undergone significant changes, with Schottenheimer praising the additions made by new Giants head coach John Harbaugh. He specifically highlighted the Giants’ defensive front and their ability to generate pressure.
The Cowboys’ preparation will be about more than simply replacing Smith, however. Schottenheimer repeatedly emphasized the importance of taking the season one day at a time.
“Trust the process. Win the day,” Schottenheimer said of his message to the team.
The Cowboys have made their goals clear, but Schottenheimer said they cannot afford to look beyond the work required during the week. With the season opener approaching, the focus will remain on preparation, execution and making sure the team does not skip steps.
That approach will be particularly important with Dallas facing a Giants team Schottenheimer expects to present multiple challenges.
Schottenheimer said New York has added talent throughout its defense and praised the coaching staff’s ability to disguise coverages and create problems for opposing offenses.
The Cowboys also will have to account for quarterback Jackson Dart, whose mobility adds another dimension to the Giants’ offense. Schottenheimer said Dallas’ defense must maintain its pass-rush discipline and prevent Dart from extending plays outside the pocket.
While the Cowboys are encouraged by the changes made to their defense, Schottenheimer acknowledged that improvement will have to show up on the field.
Dallas struggled defensively last season, but the head coach said he feels considerably different about this year’s unit heading into the opener.
The Cowboys have added speed at all three levels of the defense, and Schottenheimer believes that athleticism can help the team handle mobile quarterbacks and explosive offensive players.
Still, optimism will only go so far once the season begins.
“I just want to win,” Schottenheimer said.
For Dallas, that starts Sunday night against the Giants. And before the Cowboys can see how much their offseason changes have improved the team, they will first have to adjust to playing without one of their key offensive linemen.
With Smith sidelined, Bass will get his opportunity to prove that the Cowboys’ confidence in their depth is justified.
