Cowboys Get Encouraging Injury News Ahead of Thursday Night Football

The Dallas Cowboys received encouraging injury news Monday as Tyler Smith returned to practice ahead of Thursday’s matchup with the Buccaneers.

by Romell Williams

Oct 6, 2026

Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys may be getting reinforcements at exactly the right time.

After escaping Houston with a 34-30 victory on Sunday, Dallas has little time to celebrate. The Cowboys will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night, creating a quick turnaround that makes Monday’s injury news particularly important.

The biggest development was the return of All-Pro guard Tyler Smith, who participated in practice for the first time since undergoing thumb surgery before the season. Dallas officially opened Smith’s 21-day practice window Monday, giving the team an opportunity to evaluate whether he can return against Tampa Bay.

Tyler Smith could give Cowboys offensive line a big boost

Smith’s return would be a major addition for Dallas, even though the offensive line has managed to perform well without him.

The Cowboys placed Smith on injured reserve before the season, forcing Tyler Guyton and Tyler Booker to take on larger responsibilities. That group helped Dallas protect Dak Prescott during Sunday’s comeback win, with Prescott throwing for 335 yards and leading a late game-winning drive.

Adding Smith back into the lineup could make an already productive unit even stronger.

Smith was a Pro Bowl-level presence for Dallas before the injury, and his return would give the Cowboys another proven blocker heading into the heart of the season. The biggest question is whether four days is enough time for him to be ready after missing the first four games.

Smith himself hasn’t ruled it out.

“I think it’s possible,” Smith said Monday. “We’re not ruling anything out.”

He also acknowledged the obvious challenge of having limited practice time before Thursday’s game.

Cowboys still waiting on DeMarvion Overshown

The Cowboys also received less encouraging news regarding linebacker DeMarvion Overshown.

Overshown remained sidelined Monday while dealing with the hamstring injury that has kept him out since Week 1. He has now missed multiple games, and Dallas appears unlikely to rush him back simply because of the short week.

That’s especially important because rookie Jaishawn Barham has stepped into a larger role in Overshown’s absence and has continued to develop.

Getting Overshown back would give Dallas another athletic linebacker and allow defensive coordinator Christian Parker to work with a deeper group. But with the Cowboys already dealing with several defensive injuries, the priority should be making sure Overshown is fully ready rather than forcing him onto the field.

Cowboys are getting healthier at the right time

The injury picture isn’t perfect, but there are reasons for Dallas to feel encouraged.

Malik Hooker, who missed time earlier this season with a fractured forearm, returned against Houston and immediately made an impact, leading the Cowboys with seven tackles and recording two pass breakups. Joey Porter Jr. also made his Dallas debut after being acquired from Pittsburgh and played 24 defensive snaps without allowing a catch.

Now Smith could potentially join them against Tampa Bay.

Dallas still has several players dealing with injuries, including Cobie Durant and Overshown, who did not practice Monday. But the Cowboys are beginning to get important pieces back at a crucial point in the season.

Thursday’s game will test Dallas’ depth because of the unusually short preparation window. If Smith can return, however, the Cowboys could enter the matchup with Tampa Bay, healthier and potentially better than they were when the season began.

After improving to 2-2 with Sunday’s comeback victory, that’s exactly what Dallas needs as it tries to build some momentum.