The Dallas Cowboys are finally getting the help they need right when the pressure mounts. After a gritty 34-30 win in Houston, the team faces a short week against Tampa Bay. The news coming out Monday is exactly what fans needed to hear. Tyler Smith, the All-Pro guard, is back in practice for the first time since thumb surgery. This changes the entire offensive landscape for Thursday night.
Offensive Line Gets Its Anchor Back
Smith was placed on injured reserve before the season started. That forced Tyler Guyton and Tyler Booker to step up immediately. They did a solid job protecting Dak Prescott during the comeback win. Prescott threw for 335 yards and led the game-winning drive on Sunday. But adding Smith back makes a good unit even better. He was a Pro Bowl-level presence before the injury.
The real question is if four days of practice is enough to get him ready. Smith addressed that doubt directly on Monday. “I think it’s possible,” Smith said. He added, “We’re not ruling anything out.” That is a huge sign of confidence. Even with limited reps, his presence alone stabilizes the line.
Dak Prescott Shows No Hand Trouble
Concerns about Dak Prescott’s throwing hand were valid after Sunday. Following an intentional grounding play, a hand cover was observed on him. He also admitted to having swelling and pain during the game. The Athletic’s Jon Machota reported a positive update on X. Machota wrote, “No wrap on Dak Prescott’s throwing hand.” He even posted a picture to prove it. That visual evidence matters more than any press release.
With 1,065 passing yards, Prescott currently holds the sixth spot in the NFL. He is tied for sixth with eight touchdowns. His QBR sits at 83.3, which ranks third in the league. CeeDee Lamb is also dominating with 498 receiving yards. The offense is firing on all cylinders. A healthy offensive line and a healthy quarterback mean the Cowboys can score with anyone. They just need the defense to stop giving up points.
The Defense Still Needs Help
The offense looks set, but the defense remains the biggest worry. According to reports, the Cowboys share the distinction of having the worst defense in the NFL. That is not good enough for a team with this much talent. EVP Stephen Jones admitted the team is looking at trades to fix the pass rush. He told 105.3 The Fan, “I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll continue to see how it progresses.” Jones also said, “If we don’t make a move, I think this pass rush can progress. If an opportunity is there we will certainly look at it.”
Malik Hooker returned with seven tackles and two pass breakups against Houston. Joey Porter Jr.
