The Dallas Cowboys have leaned on guard T.J. Bass before when the offensive line needed him. This time, quarterback Dak Prescott has made it clear why he has no concerns about doing it again. 

During an interview posted by the Dallas Cowboys’ official YouTube channel on September 11, 2026, Dak Prescott said the team will miss Tyler Smith, but he does not expect a major drop-off with TJ Bass stepping in for him. 

"T.J's a true pro," Dak Prescott said. "I don't know the number of starts T.J. has under his belt, but it's a good number, he's come into the game and done exactly his job well. Obviously, you're missing a guy like Tyler, it sucks, but when you've got a guy like T.J., you don't even flinch."

Tyler Smith will miss four to six weeks after suffering a thumb injury that required surgery, leaving the Cowboys without their starting guard for the season opener.

With Smith unavailable, T.J. Bass is set to step in at guard against the New York Giants, as discussed in the @Dallas Cowboys YouTube video.

Bass already has 48 games and 10 starts with Dallas, giving the Cowboys an experienced option to replace Smith. The team also views him as a starting-caliber player, which explains why his promotion does not come as a major change for the offensive line. 

Bass has also produced when he has been given a starting role. According to ESPN, the Cowboys rushed for at least 91 yards in eight games when Bass joined the first team, surpassing 200 rushing yards twice. 

That experience gives weight to Prescott’s confidence in Bass and his belief that the Cowboys can rely on him without needing to give him extra motivation. 

With Smith sidelined, Bass has a big role to fill. But Prescott’s confidence and Bass’ experience give Dallas reason to trust him.

Prescott’s confidence is one reason Dallas can trust Bass, but the Cowboys had already made it clear how much they valued him before Smith’s injury. 

Why Dallas refused to trade t.J. Bass — and why it matters now

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, multiple teams asked the Cowboys about Bass, but Dallas refused to trade him. With Smith on injured reserve, Bass now has a chance to start for the Cowboys.

“Speaking of Dallas’ offense, having guard T.J. Bass in the rotation is a timely benefit because of star Tyler Smith’s move to injured reserve,” Fowler wrote. “The Cowboys received trade inquiries for Bass during the offseason and...for the short term.” 

Bass has now moved from a backup role into the starting lineup because of Smith’s absence. The Cowboys will open the regular season against the New York Giants, giving Bass an early chance to show why Dallas was unwilling to part with him. 

Dallas turned down the trade interest when Bass was still a backup. Now, with Smith sidelined, that decision has put a proven option in the starting lineup. 

Written by

Divyanshi Raj