The Dallas Cowboys are one step closer to getting Tyler Smith back, and the timing couldn’t be more useful. Dallas opened its All-Pro left guard’s 21-day practice window Monday as it turned toward Thursday’s home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith joined Monday’s walkthrough after beginning the season on injured reserve following thumb surgery. That gives the Cowboys a path to his season debut, but it doesn’t settle whether he’ll play this week.

The next checkpoint comes Tuesday. Coach Brian Schottenheimer expects to have a clearer picture after practice, and Smith has left the door open to a Thursday return.

A Real Test For His Thumb

Smith’s injury made the essential work of an offensive lineman difficult: gripping, punching and controlling a defender. He tried working through the problem during training camp before surgery became necessary.

Now he’ll test how the repaired thumb responds to football work with teammates. Smith plans to wear a protective cast, and the short turnaround leaves little room for a lengthy ramp-up.

That’s why Monday’s progress matters without becoming a promise. A walkthrough is encouraging. Handling the contact and hand fighting that come with playing guard is the more meaningful hurdle.

Smith has worked on his conditioning throughout rehabilitation and believes he’s getting stronger. Still, his readiness and the coaches’ assessment will determine when he returns to the lineup.

Help For An Offense Finding Its Rhythm

T.J. Bass has handled Smith’s spot through the first four games. Dallas doesn’t need to dismiss that work to recognize what its three-time Pro Bowler could add.

The Cowboys are coming off their comeback victory over Houston, a finish that brought them back to 2-2 and offered some breathing room before another quick test.

Getting Smith alongside left tackle Tyler Guyton would give Dallas another proven piece up front. For an offense trying to build on Sunday’s finish, the possibility is welcome news.

Opening the window allows Smith to practice while Dallas evaluates activation from injured reserve. It isn’t the same as being activated or cleared for Thursday.

For now, the Cowboys have progress to work with. Tuesday should help show whether that progress is enough for Smith to suit up against Tampa Bay.