Tyler Smith Eyes Thursday Return vs. Bucs as Cowboys Open His Practice Window

 

Short week, big question in Frisco — does the Cowboys' All-Pro left guard get back on the field Thursday night?

Dallas opened Tyler Smith's 21-day practice window Monday, and he was listed as limited in the walkthrough. "I think it's possible. We're not ruling anything out," Smith told ESPN's Todd Archer. Smith had surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb a week before the season, after getting hurt in the joint practice with New Orleans, and has missed the first four games on injured reserve. He's wearing a cast for protection; T.J. Bass has held down left guard.

Archer notes the Cowboys are averaging 30.5 points a game, tied for second in the league, but just 3.8 yards per carry. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring) didn't work Monday, though there's some optimism he could play, while cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring) and rookie tackle Drew Shelton (hamstring) also sat. Tampa Bay listed Baker Mayfield (right thumb) as a non-participant, and Todd Bowles said safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has a slight rib fracture and is expected to miss two to four weeks.

More on the Dallas Cowboys before Thursday's 7:15 p.m. CT kickoff at AT&T Stadium. Radio question — do you rush Smith back on a short week, or stick with Bass one more game?

Sources: ESPN — Tyler Smith hoping to face Bucs; DallasCowboys.com — Updates: Overshown, Durant absent; Buccaneers.com — Bucs-Cowboys injury report Oct. 5; Yahoo Sports — Winfield to miss 2-4 weeks.