The Dallas Cowboys have made two significant roster moves to strengthen their offensive line following the injury of Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith. On Wednesday, the team placed Smith on the injured reserve list due to a thumb injury that requires surgery, which is expected to keep him sidelined for four to six weeks.
In response, the Cowboys promoted veteran interior lineman Nick Leverett from their practice squad to the active roster. Leverett, who initially entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020, has experience with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has played in 16 games, starting 10 of them.
Although he has been signed to the active roster, he is not expected to immediately take over Smith's starting position; instead, T.J. Bass is anticipated to step in as the left guard, bringing 10 career starts and familiarity with the team's offense.
In a related move, the Cowboys have signed 11-year veteran Laken Tomlinson to their practice squad. Tomlinson, who was drafted 28th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2015, has had a successful career, starting 162 games, including seven last season with the Houston Texans.
He spent five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he started every game he played and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020.
