The Dallas Cowboys’ training camp took a hit this week with news of an injury to their starting left tackle, Tyler Guyton. As a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Guyton was expected to anchor the offensive line in his second season, but a recent leg injury has raised concerns among fans and the organization. Here’s a deep dive into what happened, the impact on the Cowboys, and what’s next for the young tackle.
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The Injury: What We Know So Far
On Monday, July 28, 2025, during a training camp practice in Oxnard, California, Tyler Guyton went down with what was initially feared to be a season-ending torn ACL. The 6-foot-8, 322-pound tackle was seen limping off the field, assisted by teammate Micah Parsons and head athletic trainer Jim Maurer. Early reports from NFL insider Ian Rapoport sent shockwaves through Cowboys Nation, as a torn ACL would have sidelined Guyton for the entire 2025 season. However, an MRI brought a sigh of relief: his ACL is intact. Instead, Guyton suffered a bone fracture and a sprained knee, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. This timeline means he could miss the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4, but the injury is far less severe than initially feared.
Guyton’s Role and Rookie Struggles
Tyler Guyton, drafted 29th overall out of Oklahoma in 2024, was a project pick for the Cowboys. A converted tight end with limited experience at offensive tackle in college, he played just 10 games at right tackle in his final season at Oklahoma, allowing no sacks in 355 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Transitioning to left tackle in the NFL, Guyton faced a steep learning curve. His rookie season was rocky, with a 49.4 overall grade from PFF, ranking him 115th out of 140 qualifying tackles. He allowed five sacks and 23 pressures in 10 games and led the league with 16 penalties at his position, raising questions about his discipline and football IQ. Despite these struggles, the Cowboys remained committed to him, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer praising his offseason work ethic and improved physical condition.
Impact on the Cowboys’ Offensive Line
The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a point of concern heading into 2025, and Guyton’s injury only adds to the uncertainty. The team is already navigating the loss of veteran guard Rob Jones, who suffered a broken neck bone and is expected to miss 2-3 months. With Guyton sidelined, the Cowboys may turn to second-year tackle Asim Richards, a 2023 fifth-round pick who played 177 snaps last season with only one penalty and one sack allowed. Other options include Hakeem Adeniji, Ajani Cornelius, or Matt Waletzko, though none have the experience or pedigree to fully replace Guyton. There’s also talk of moving All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith to tackle, but with Jones out, the team may prefer to keep Smith at guard to maintain depth. This injury forces Dallas to reshuffle a line already in transition, potentially exposing quarterback Dak Prescott to more pressure.
Recovery Timeline and Return Expectations
The 4-6 week recovery timeline is a best-case scenario for Guyton and the Cowboys. If he heals on the shorter end, he could return for the season opener against Philadelphia. A six-week recovery would see him back by Week 2 against the New York Giants. The fact that no surgery is required is a major win, as a torn ACL could have derailed his development and the team’s plans. Guyton’s ability to walk off the field under his own power was an early sign that the injury wasn’t catastrophic, and the Cowboys are optimistic about his return. However, the team will need to manage his rehab carefully to avoid setbacks, especially given his history of missing games due to injuries like a high ankle sprain in 2024.
What’s Next for Guyton and the Cowboys?
Guyton’s injury is a setback, but it also opens a window for growth. His rookie season exposed areas for improvement, particularly in pass protection and penalty avoidance. The Cowboys see him as a cornerstone left tackle, but his injury history—missing three games each of his last two college seasons and multiple games in 2024—remains a concern. The team’s decision to not bring in competition for the left tackle spot showed confidence in Guyton, but his absence in training camp stalls his development and the team’s ability to evaluate him fully. For now, Dallas will rely on depth players to fill the gap, but the focus remains on getting Guyton back to full strength. Fans are hopeful that with a revamped offseason approach and a chip on his shoulder, Guyton can return stronger and silence doubters in 2025.
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, injuries are part of the game, but they test a team’s depth and resilience. For the Cowboys, Tyler Guyton’s injury is a hurdle, but not an insurmountable one. With careful management and a bit of luck, they’ll have their young tackle back protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside soon enough.