Inactive
Injury Coach's Decision
Est. Return 9/14/2025
2025 Defense Stats
TCKL
41
SACKS
1.0
INT
0
FF
0
TD
0
Rest-of-Season Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Smith could be on his last chance with the Cowboys. Taken 26th overall in the 2023 Draft, he hasn't missed a game yet in his NFL career, but he's done little else of note. Smith did see his tackle total jump from 13 as a rookie to 41 in 2024 as he nearly doubled his snap count, but he's failed to be the anchor against the run that the team needs. Being on his third defensive coordinator in three years doesn't help, either. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a four-year, $13.27 million contract with the Cowboys in May of 2023.
Healthy scratch Week 1
Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's regular-season opener against the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
The 2023 first-rounder started in all 17 regular-season games last year, but he was in jeopardy of not making the Cowboys' 53-man roster at the end of training camp. While he ultimately made the cut, Smith will be a healthy scratch Thursday, with Week 2 against the Giants on Sunday, Sept. 14 being his next chance to play. Solomon Thomas and Jay Toia will serve in a rotational role at defensive tackle behind starters Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark.
The 2023 first-rounder started in all 17 regular-season games last year, but he was in jeopardy of not making the Cowboys' 53-man roster at the end of training camp. While he ultimately made the cut, Smith will be a healthy scratch Thursday, with Week 2 against the Giants on Sunday, Sept. 14 being his next chance to play. Solomon Thomas and Jay Toia will serve in a rotational role at defensive tackle behind starters Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark.
NFL Stats
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2025 NFL Game Log
2025
2024
2023
2025 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
Cowboys 2024 DT Snap Distribution#% of Team Snaps
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2025 Mazi Smith Split Stats
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2023 Fantasy Outlook
Taken 26th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith potentially gives the Cowboys something they're been lacking in recent years - a big, physical presence in the middle of the defensive line who can both stuff the run and collapse the pocket. The Michigan product has drawn Dontari Poe comparisons due to his size and athleticism, but he will likely need to improve his technique to become a consistent asset on passing downs.
More Fantasy News
Not guaranteed roster spot
Smith may be on the roster bubble for the Cowboys, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
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Returns to action
Smith (knee) logged one tackle during Dallas' preseason loss to the Ravens on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
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Battling knee issue
Smith (knee) was a limited participant in practice Tuesday, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.
ANALYSIS
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Takes on bigger role in Year 2
Smith started all 17 games for the Cowboys in 2024 and recorded 41 tackles (22 solo), including 1.0 sacks.
ANALYSIS
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Active Sunday
Smith (pelvis) is active for Sunday's game against the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Vote of confidence from owner
Despite Smith's low usage and slow start to the season, he's been praised by teammates and team decision makers like owner/general manager Jerry Jones, Anthony Licciardi of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The Cowboys took Smith 26th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft with the vision that he would be in a position to immediately contribute alongside Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence on the defensive front. Smith has just 36 defensive snaps over three contests this season, and while it has been a concern raised by fans, Jones said Smith is an "outstanding football player that has some of the most unique football attributes that have ever been put on the field," during a Friday appearance on "105.3 The Fan." Smith has accumulated three tackles in limited action as he works behind Johnathan Hankins and Osa Odighizuwa at defensive tackle.
The Cowboys took Smith 26th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft with the vision that he would be in a position to immediately contribute alongside Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence on the defensive front. Smith has just 36 defensive snaps over three contests this season, and while it has been a concern raised by fans, Jones said Smith is an "outstanding football player that has some of the most unique football attributes that have ever been put on the field," during a Friday appearance on "105.3 The Fan." Smith has accumulated three tackles in limited action as he works behind Johnathan Hankins and Osa Odighizuwa at defensive tackle.