Dallas Cowboys Adjust Lineup as Tyler Smith Returns to Left Tackle
The Dallas Cowboys are navigating a turbulent finish to the regular season, now officially out of playoff contention. As they prepare for their home finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, injuries are forcing significant lineup alterations.
Injury-Induced Changes on the Offensive Line
In a move that underscores the depth of the team’s injury crisis, All-Pro guard Tyler Smith is set to transition to left tackle. This shift comes after starting left tackle Tyler Guyton was sidelined, along with Nate Thomas, who filled in for Guyton but is also grappling with a shoulder injury.
ESPN’s Todd Archer highlighted the developments during pregame warmups, noting that Smith’s return to the left tackle position marks an important milestone. “Based on pregame warmups, Tyler Smith is starting at left tackle instead of Nate Thomas, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury,” Archer reported on social media.
Smith’s Previous Experience at Left Tackle
This will be Smith’s first start at left tackle since Week 6 of the previous season when he faced the Detroit Lions. In his rookie year of 2022, he demonstrated his versatility and skill by starting all 16 games at the position.
In conjunction with Smith’s move, rookie TJ Bass will take over at left guard, aiming to stabilize the offensive line as the Cowboys look to finish the season on a high note despite their current challenges.
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Chargers, all eyes will be on how this reshuffled lineup performs under pressure in a game that has become crucial for team pride, if not postseason aspirations.
