Cowboys Turn to T.J. Bass at LG: Week 1 Survivor Read

T.J. Bass steps in for Tyler Smith

Dallas is reshuffling its offensive line, with T.J. Bass set to fill in for Tyler Smith at left guard. It's a notable change up front for a team favored in each of its first two games — the Cowboys open as 3-point road favorites at the Giants in Week 1 and a 4.5-point home favorite over Washington in Week 2.

What it means for your survivor pick

A backup at left guard isn't a reason to panic, but it's the kind of detail worth weighing when you're deciding who to pick this week. Dallas is favored at New York, and if you trust the offense to hold up with Bass plugged in, the Cowboys are a live Week 1 survivor option. Just keep the schedule in view: the spreads tighten to -4.5 versus Washington in Week 2, and by Week 3 Dallas flips to a home underdog against Baltimore (BAL -2.5). That downgrade makes the Cowboys a much shakier pick later, so if you like them, using them early — while they're favored and before you find out how Bass settles in — is the cleaner path.

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