Tyler Smith: placed on IR after thumb surgery, out four-plus weeks

THE FACT. The Cowboys placed left guard Tyler Smith on injured reserve after thumb surgery, which sidelines him for at least four games, per NFL.com's Wednesday, Sept. 9 roundup. Dallas signed Nick Leverett to the active roster and added Laken Tomlinson to the practice squad, and the team has said T.J. Bass will fill in.

THE VERDICT. Redraft: this is a downgrade at the margins for the Cowboys ground game, but it does not move Javonte Williams or Jaydon Blue off their current tiers. Keep Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens right where they were; the passing game runs through the perimeter, not the interior. DFS: slightly lower Cowboys rushing floor for the next month. Dynasty: no change.