Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Dealt Unfortunate News Before Giants Game

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys suffer a huge loss before the start of the regular season.

by Ayomide Adeduyite

Sep 7, 2026

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks on before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 3, 2025.

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is heading into the 2026 season with plenty of expectations on his shoulders as Dallas looks to return to the playoffs and hopefully make a deep postseason run.

Prescott enters his 11th NFL season after a strong training camp, with the Cowboys returning their entire starting offensive line from last season. The franchise has also made clear that protecting its quarterback and maintaining offensive continuity will be important to its hopes of competing in the NFC.

However, Prescott will now have to begin the season without one of the key pieces expected to protect him.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4).

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Monday that left guard Tyler Smith will undergo thumb surgery Tuesday and is expected to miss four to six weeks (h/t Nick Harris of Fort Worth Star-Telegram). TJ Bass is scheduled to fill in for the injured All-Pro veteran.

The timing is unfortunate for Prescott and the Cowboys. Smith has established himself as one of Dallas’ most important offensive linemen and has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the past two seasons. He also has experience playing left tackle, but his absence now forces Dallas to adjust its offensive line as Prescott prepares for the season opener against the New York Giants.

The Cowboys have invested heavily in their offensive line, with Tyler Booker entering his second season and Tyler Guyton continuing to develop at left tackle. Smith’s absence could test that depth immediately as Dallas tries to keep Prescott comfortable in the pocket.

Prescott has made it clear that he believes this Cowboys team is capable of breaking through after a disappointing recent playoff history. But the Cowboys will have to begin that push without one of their most reliable blockers. Dallas visits the Giants on Sunday to open the 2026 regular season.