The Dallas Cowboys organization has moved to strengthen its offensive line after starting guard Tyler Smith sustained a thumb injury. Smith is expected to miss at least the first month of the season. In response, the team added former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson to the practice squad.
Additionally, guard Nick Leverett was promoted from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to serve as the backup to new starter TJ Bass.
Leverett, an undrafted free agent out of Rice University in 2020, previously spent three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started 10 games across 16 appearances for Tampa Bay before splitting time between New England and Arizona in 2024. He joined the Cowboys organization last season while offensive coordinator Clayton Adams was still with the Arizona Cardinals.
Tomlinson, 34, was selected in the first round of the 2015 draft and has started 162 career games. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and started seven games for the Houston Texans last year.
Separately, ESPN released its annual poll of NFL executives and scouts regarding award candidates. The survey identified Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer as a contender for Coach of the Year. This recognition follows a 7-10 season record and suggests polled experts view Dallas as a strong contender to win the NFC East.
An NFC scout cited in the report highlighted quarterback Dak Prescott’s potential for a big year and an improved defense, noting that staying healthy gives the team a good chance at division supremacy. The poll also named safety Caleb Downs as the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year, with scouts expecting him to disrupt plays in the slot and accumulate high tackle numbers.
