Training camp is well underway and the Dallas Cowboys are desperate to get off to a hot start under first-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The ongoing Micah Parsons contract saga is dominating most of the headlines, though it's important to keep an eye on other positions as well if this organization is going to get back to the postseason.
Unfortunately, injuries are a natural part of football. Every year, we see examples of key starters and depth pieces suffering major ailments that could derail a playoff run before the first game is even played.
Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton, who was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, suffered a seemingly catastrophic knee injury during Monday's practice. Despite initial reports that he could have torn his ACL, fans should be relieved to hear that the Cowboys avoided disaster.
Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton's ACL is intact after a MRI, per @toddarcher. He has a bone fracture that will not require surgery and he now is expected to be out 4-6 weeks. pic.twitter.com/ArjVQEgVMj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 29, 2025
Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton to Miss 4-6 Weeks with Injury but Avoids Torn ACL
According to ESPN's Todd Archer, Guyton's ACL is in tact. He has a bone fracture that will not require surgery but will still keep him out 4-6 weeks. Dallas opens the season against the Philadelphia Eagles in roughly five weeks, so it's still possible that Guyton starts in Week 1.
Considering how ferocious the Eagles' defensive line is, that's a major piece of news. 2023 fifth-rounder Asim Richards would presumably start if Guyton can't suit up, and it's hard to imagine him slowing down Jalen Carter or Jordan Davis.
While the 6-foot-7 Guyton struggled at times as a rookie, ranking 115th out of 140 qualified tackles at Pro Football Focus, he still has the physical tools and underlying production profile to be a long-term starter in this league. At the very least, the Cowboys expect Guyton to protect quarterback Dak Prescott and help create running lanes for a rushing attack that faltered in 2024.
It's obviously great that Guyton didn't suffer a torn ACL as was initially feared. That said, he'll still miss valuable practice time that he needs to reach his true ceiling this year. With a new coach and offensive scheme, building chemistry and comfort with the starting offense is of the utmost importance. Guyton started 11 games last season and is a key part of the future, so any time spent away from the field is a negative.
He's not the only offensive lineman dealing with an injury, meaning that Dallas' line depth is being tested in the early portion of camp. That'll provide an opportunity for lesser players to prove themselves, though the Cowboys should primarily be focused on putting the best starting 11 on the field in what figures to be one of the most competitive divisions in football.
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief that Guyton's worst nightmares weren't confirmed, yet it's an unfortunate start to Schottenheimer's tenure regardless. As things stand, the Cowboys have +194 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook to make the playoffs, implying they need all the help they can get.