Cowboys sign veteran offensive lineman in wake of Tyler Smith injury news

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 02: Laken Tomlinson #75 of the Houston Texans looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a seemingly spotless offseason on the injury front, the Dallas Cowboys were dealt some bad injury news just a few days before their week one matchup versus the New York Giants. Tyler Smith is expected to miss 4-6 weeks due to a ligament issue in his thumb, and he will be replaced by T.J. Bass.

That led to another Cowboys roster move when they elevated Nick Leverett from the practice squad to provide more interior line depth.

The Cowboys are signing OL Nick Leverett to the active roster from the practice squad, per source. With Tyler Smith (thumb) out 4-6 weeks, Leverett can serve as the backup interior lineman on gameday.

- Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 9, 2026

Leverett's elevation opened up a spot on the practice squad. To fill that spot, the Cowboys have signed 11-year veteran Laken Tomlinson.

Veteran OL Laken Tomlinson stays in Texas, joining the #Cowboys after being with the #Texans last season. With Tyler Smith down 4-6 weeks following thumb surgery, Tomlinson adds depth to begin the season. https://t.co/EZy8mPIY5E

- Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 9, 2026

Tomlinson, 33, has time with the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans. He has 162 career starts in the NFL and started seven games in 2025. That is a wealth of experience.

Tomlinson has played all of his snaps at guard, proving to be a nice insurance policy on the practice squad if any other injuries occur along the interior of the offensive line before Tyler Smith makes it back.