OXNARD, Calif. — The Dallas Cowboys exhaled collectively after a frightening injury scare involving starting left tackle Tyler Guyton during Monday’s training camp practice. Guyton, a second-year player and 2024 first-round draft pick, went down late in a padded session, sparking immediate concern among teammates and coaches. Initial fears pointed to a potentially season-ending torn ACL, but an MRI revealed a bone fracture and sprained knee, sidelining him for an estimated four to six weeks. Cowboys left tackle Tyler Guyton will be okay for the beginning of the season.
The incident unfolded during team drills when Guyton, protecting quarterback Dak Prescott’s blind side, collapsed and remained on the ground for several minutes. Teammates, including star edge rusher Micah Parsons, assisted him as he gingerly walked to the locker room with medical staff. The sight of Guyton, a cornerstone of Dallas’ reconfigured offensive line, leaving the field drained energy from the practice. Social media buzzed with worry, with fans and analysts speculating about the impact of losing the young tackle.
Guyton’s injury, while serious, avoids the catastrophic outcome of an ACL tear. The bone fracture, located in his right knee, requires no surgery, offering a clearer path to recovery. However, the timeline puts his availability for the Cowboys’ season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4 in question. With training camp in full swing, the absence of live reps poses a challenge for a player expected to anchor the left tackle position.
Guyton’s importance to the Cowboys cannot be overstated. At 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, the Oklahoma product brings rare size and athleticism to a youthful offensive line tasked with protecting Prescott and revitalizing a stagnant running game. Last season, Guyton started 11 of 15 games as a rookie, stepping into the void left by veteran Tyron Smith. Despite struggles—allowing six sacks and committing 18 penalties—he showed flashes of potential, earning praise for his offseason work. Coaches noted his improved physique and intensity, signaling a breakout year. His mentorship under Smith further fueled optimism about his growth.
The Cowboys’ offensive line faces mounting pressure with Guyton sidelined. The unit already lost guard Rob Jones to a neck injury expected to keep him out two to three months. In Guyton’s absence, the team turns to backups like Asim Richards, a 2023 fifth-round pick with limited experience, or Hakeem Adeniji, who has played both tackle positions. Moving All-Pro guard Tyler Smith to tackle remains an option, though coaches prefer keeping him inside. The depth chart’s inexperience underscores Guyton’s critical role in a line aiming to gel under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
As camp continues in Oxnard, the Cowboys rally around Guyton’s recovery. His return, potentially by early September, looms large for a team eyeing a rebound from last season’s 7-10 record. For now, Dallas navigates the setback, leaning on depth and hoping their young tackle heals swiftly.
Seahawks Rookie Jalen Milroe has fans raving.
Jackson Dart off to rocky start at camp.
How to Watch Cubs vs. Brewers on Tuesday.
