FRISCO, Texas – As has been the case with the Cowboys as a whole this season, injury along the offensive line at left tackle has seen three different starters through the first nine games of the season. Let's discuss how Dallas got to that point, and where they go from here.
Tyler Guyton was Dallas' first round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and it was only a matter of time before he became the team's left tackle. That time sped up quickly when Chuma Edoga suffered a toe injury against the Rams in the preseason, sidelining him for a significant period of time.
The problem was Gutyon went on to miss valuable time due to several injuries and illnesses in both training camp and OTAs, so the front unit didn't get all the cohesion they wanted there. The good news is now, Guyton says he's feeling healthy and ready to get back out there.
"I feel really good," Guyton said. "It's the best I've felt, really."
Guyton missed Sunday's game against the Eagles with a neck/shoulder injury, allowing Asim Richards to get his first career start against his hometown team in the Eagles where he played relatively well, giving up four pressures on 33 pass block reps.
With Guyton back healthy and Richards coming off a good game, the options at tackle only got stronger when the Cowboys opened Edoga's 21-day practice window earlier today, giving him his first practice back with the team and options for Mike McCarthy at arguably the most important position on the offensive line.
"Balance is great, it's healthy, healthy competition is always good…" McCarthy said. "I think it'll be really good for us."
While Edoga has been sidelined, he's enjoyed getting to watch his teammates play and grow, and now wants to be able to contribute wherever he can.
"They've been doing a great job, especially Terrence [Steele] and [Tyler Guyton], and my boy Asim [Richards] stepped in there last game," Edoga said. "I feel like they've been doing a good job, I'm just here when they need me at this point."
Obviously only one left tackle is going to be able to start on Sundays, and in Guyton's eyes, it's a spot that players are always vying for week in and week out.
"I feel like there always is a healthy competition at the left tackle spot," Guyton said. "It's the most premiere position on the offensive line, it's always good I think."
And regardless of who it is that Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys decide to trot out on Monday night when the Texans come to town, there's confidence in the room that the job can be accomplished.
"Our guys are going to be ready to play, whoever is out there is going to be ready to play." Richards said.
