Cowboys Activate All-Pro Tyler Smith Just in Time to Bully the Bucs

The Dallas Cowboys are getting their bouncer back at the velvet rope just in time for primetime.

According to Ian Rapoport, All-Pro guard Tyler Smith is officially being activated from Injured Reserve and will suit up tonight against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"Ian Rapoport reported that Smith had hopes of returning as soon as possible and is back after a full Wednesday practice."

Smith had thumb surgery right before the season started, which usually means a guy is going to be drinking smoothies and wearing a giant club on his hand until Halloween. Instead, he logged a full practice on Wednesday and is ready to ruin some defensive tackle's evening.

Dallas is coming off a 34-30 shootout win over the Houston Texans, proving they can already put up points. But getting an All-Pro back on the interior offensive line is the kind of upgrade that makes a play-caller sleep like a baby.

Meanwhile, the Bucs are limping into this matchup after a gritty 17-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay's defensive front now has to deal with a fully rested, highly motivated Smith anchoring the trenches.

For anyone staring at the rushing props or sack totals for tonight's game, Smith's return completely changes the math. You do not just casually drop one of the league's best guards back into the lineup without it tilting the line of scrimmage.

We will see exactly how that surgically repaired thumb holds up when the lights come on tonight. If Smith looks like his usual self, the Cowboys' offense is going to be a massive headache for the rest of the NFC.