FRISCO, Texas — Guard Tyler Smith is at the head of the list of Dallas Cowboys who could return for the Thursday game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coach Brian Schottenheimer said, with Smith eligible to come back after Sunday’s game at the Houston Texans.
Dallas drafted Smith 24th overall out of Tulsa in 2022. Schottenheimer said Tuesday that several players become eligible after the Houston game and named Smith first, citing his conditioning.
“He’s doing great. Conditioning looks great. He’s one of those guys we’ll look at after this game who potentially could be ready to go for Tampa,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s probably at the head of the list because I know he’s ready to get back out there. He’s really good at football, and I know he’s wanting to play.”
The short week will not hold Smith back beyond the lack of pads, Schottenheimer said.
“No, other than we won’t be in pads. That’s the thing, but I’ve seen him in pads. He’s pretty good,” Schottenheimer said.
Klayton Adams Calls Tyler Smith One Of The Most Talented Players He Has Coached
Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams said Thursday that Smith has been around the offensive meetings during his absence. Football work is probably the next step, Adams said, though he was not sure of the rules governing it.
“I think, yeah, I think that guy’s capable of anything. He’s one of the most talented dudes I’ve ever been around. So, yeah, I’d like to have him back as soon as possible, if the trainers are listening,” Adams said. “But, yeah, he’s been around us. I don’t think that he’s been able to do, like, football stuff. I think that might be the next step, but I’m not 100% sure what the rules are with all of it. But, yeah, he’s been around.”
Adams said he does not have his finger on the trigger as a non-play-caller, which gives him time to watch and listen on game days. He also has the early look at Tampa Bay. Schottenheimer said Friday that Adams has a feel for the Buccaneers because he does not have to call Sunday’s game.
Cowboys Short-Week Plan Leaves No Padded Practice Before Tampa Bay
Thursday was the last padded practice of the stretch. Schottenheimer said Wednesday that the Cowboys needed pads that day because they play two physical opponents in five days.
“We need to carry our pads. We’re playing a really physical team in Houston, then a physical team in Tampa Bay. So, last chance to wear pads, because you’re obviously not going to wear the pads next week with the short week,” Schottenheimer said. “And I feel like we really know how to do the short weeks well.”
Next week opens with a walkthrough Monday and a mock plus Tuesday, a lighter session with individual work and a short set of full-speed plays. Schottenheimer said Friday the Thursday night kickoff gives Dallas a little more time than its usual Thanksgiving afternoon game.
“Yeah, Monday will be a walk. Tuesday we’ll do a mock plus where we’ll move them a little bit, and they’re going to feel it because you’re going to be removed from this game pretty quick,” Schottenheimer said. “But the one thing I do feel great about is we know how to do short weeks. We’re really good at Thursdays. And honestly, this week’s a little different because we’re used to playing on Thanksgiving, which is an afternoon game. This is a night game, so we actually buy the morning as well.”
Dallas placed defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard and safety Jalen Thompson on injured reserve Wednesday, the latest in a run of defensive injuries. The Cowboys play at Houston on Sunday at noon CT on Fox and host Tampa Bay on Thursday, Oct. 8.
