Coach Brian Schottenheimer's Dallas Cowboys outlasted the Houston Texans in a 34-30 Week 4 win that included CeeDee Lamb shredding DeMeco Ryans' defense. Joey Porter Jr. made a triumphant debut as the Cowboys focus began to shift to getting healthy for October 8's game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

One player who could be ready for the Bucs game is three-time Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith, who got a big injury update from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

“Cowboys designated guard Tyler Smith for return to practice,” Schefter wrote about the man who hasn't played yet this season.

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Positive momentum is building in Dallas despite an average 2-2 start as owner Jerry Jones expressed confidence in Schottenheimer with a Super Bowl take. Smith's return could benefit quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Javonte Williams and others. Williams shook off an $11,000-plus dollar fine to score a rushing touchdown hat trick against the in-state rival Texans in Week 4. The Cowboys' passing game remained strong with Prescott throwing for 335 yards and a touchdown, 189 of them going to Lamb, who put the NFL on notice with 17 catches and a receiving touchdown.

Smith will make an already great Cowboys offense better once he gets healthy and back out on the field. Schottenheimer has endured ridicule, scorn and distrust this season, but his Cowboys look much better than a run-of-the-mill 2-2 team.

The Buccaneers are dealing with internal issues including a Baker Mayfield injury and whispers about a possible Todd Bowles firing, but Schottenheimer knows the Cowboys will get their best shot and having Smith could help them to overcome it and pass the test with flying colors.