Tyler Guyton’s Injury Update: Dallas Cowboys Catch a Break In Preseason Chaos
High Drama in Big D delivered a mixed bag this week. Ever heard of dodging a bullet while still getting grazed? Well, that’s the story for the Dallas Cowboys and their starting Left Tackle, Tyler Guyton.
Breathe, Cowboys Fans: No ACL-Tearing Nightmares Here
When news broke from training camp that Tyler Guyton had gone down with what some feared was a torn ACL, a collective gasp echoed through Cowboys Nation (Ok, maybe more like a panic attack). For a team trying to rebound after a dumpster-fire 7–10 season, losing their starting left tackle would be about as helpful as a flat tire on a getaway car.
But here’s the good news (relatively speaking): it’s a bone fracture, not a ligament explosion. Sure, Tyler Guyton’s expected to miss 4–6 weeks, which means he’s out for preseason and faces a deadline to make it back in time for the season opener against division rivals, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The timing couldn’t be better, right?
Even so, a fractured bone beats shredding an ACL any day of the week, especially in the trenches of the NFL. As ESPN’s Todd Archer put it, this could’ve been much worse.
Rocky Rookie Road, But a Better Year Ahead?
Before we crown Guyton as the savior or scapegoat, it’s important to frame his NFL story so far. Drafted 29th overall in 2024 out of Oklahoma, Guyton’s rookie year was the definition of “trial by fire.” Sure, 15 games and 11 starts sound nice on paper, but take a quick detour to his PFF grade of 49.4, and… yeah, we’ve seen road cones with better blocking skills.
Consistent starts turned into time spent on the sideline, with preparation concerns and questionable practice habits raising some eyebrows. By season’s end, Tyler Guyton wasn’t even a guaranteed starter, rotating more than a confused Ferris wheel. Yet, all seemed forgiven coming into this offseason.
The Cowboys exuded confidence, declining to bring in any serious competition for his spot. Tyler Guyton even showed up to OTAs in shape (a thinner waistline can apparently silence critics, at least temporarily). But this injury complicates that feel-good offseason narrative, doesn’t it?
Who Replaces Guyton If He Misses Week 1?
Here’s where things get dicey. The Cowboys’ offensive line plans hinge on Guyton being present and effective. His backup options? A shrug emoji in human form. There’s rookie Ajani Cornelius (a sixth-round pick) with upside but limited reps. Pro Bowl Left Guard Tyler Smith could slide over, but that decision creates a ripple effect, leaving the interior line in question. Adding salt to the wound, Smith’s backup, Robert Jones, is facing months out with a neck injury, because the football gods apparently enjoy irony.
Right Tackle Terence Steele, who’s no stranger to injury himself, is still shaking off an ankle problem. With this much instability up front, quarterback Dak Prescott might be holding his breath (and avoiding blindside hits) before the regular season even begins.
Some Optimism For the Cowboys Offense
Yes, it’s preseason chaos. Yes, the timing stings worse than accidentally biting into a hot pepper. But Cowboys fans have reason for cautious optimism. The team believes Guyton could be back early in the season, either for Week 1 or shortly after. And while bone fractures aren’t ideal, they heal with less long-term risk compared to ligament tears.
This also leaves room for the Cowboys to show some creativity. Could they make a sneaky late-free agent pick-up to bolster the O-line? Maybe, but don’t hold your breath; Jerry Jones isn’t exactly known for restraint around cap space.
Additionally, first-year Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer seems committed to getting the most out of his players (and to giving Guyton as much PR as possible). “He’s having a terrific offseason,” Schottenheimer said of the reformed left tackle back in May. “He’s working his ass off.” Now, they’ll need that dedication to pay off in time to prevent this season from spiraling like 2024.
Final Thoughts On Tyler Guyton’s Injury
For the Cowboys, the Tyler Guyton situation defines the razor-thin margins of NFL success. A fractured bone is far from ideal, but when the alternative is reconstructive surgery and a season lost, this is a “best-case worst-case” scenario.
How will it impact their 2025 campaign? Well, that may depend on how quickly Tyler Guyton can rehab, how creative Schottenheimer’s line coaches get, and how well this patchwork offensive line can hold up in the meantime. Call it drama; call it adversity. Either way, buckle up, Cowboys fans. It’s going to be an interesting ride.
