The Dallas Cowboys have made significant roster changes in response to the injury of Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a thumb injury requiring surgery. Smith is projected to be out for four to six weeks, leading to the promotion of veteran lineman Nick Leverett from the practice squad to the active roster.
Although Leverett will be on the active roster, he is not expected to start immediately. T.J. Bass is anticipated to take over as the starting left guard, bringing with him 10 career starts and familiarity with the team's offensive scheme.
Leverett, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Rice University in 2020, has prior experience with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he started 10 games from 2021 to 2023. He also spent time with the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals in 2024, where he collaborated with Cowboys offensive coordinator Clayton Adams.
In addition to Leverett's promotion, the Cowboys have signed veteran offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson to their practice squad. Tomlinson, a former first-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2015, has a wealth of experience, having started 162 games throughout his career, including seven games last season with the Houston Texans.
These roster adjustments come as the Cowboys seek to maintain their offensive line's stability following Smith's injury, reflecting the front office's commitment to addressing the situation effectively.
