As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their Week 5 clash against the New York Jets, they have major problems along the offensive line. With Cooper Beebe and Tyler Booker already out, the Cowboys are now at risk of being down two more starters on the OL. ESPN's Todd Archer reported on Friday that Tyler Guyton and Tyler Smith missed their third straight practice. The Cowboys then released their final injury report that officially ruled Guyton out.
Guyton, who has been in concussion protocol since leaving Week 4 early, wasn't able to clear the five-step return process to suit up against the Jets.
Tyler Guyton's Absence May Not Hurt the Cowboys in Week 5
Even though Guyton started at left tackle for every Cowboys game, his absence may not be that big of a loss. The second-year player has picked up where he left off last season, committing a slew of penalties, missing blocks, and frustrating his coaching staff and the fan base. The raw athletic and physical tools are obviously still there, but Guyton has yet to put it all together in the NFL, ranking 65th among 70 qualified offensive tackles in terms of Pro Football Focus grade through four weeks. His 32.8 pass block grade on PFF is significantly worse than last year's and ranks as one of the worst in the entire NFL.
Next in line to start at left tackle amid the sea of injuries may be Nate Thomas. The second-year player, who missed his entire rookie campaign with injury, took his first offensive snaps in Week 4 when Guyton suffered the concussion. He fared well in the 17 snaps he took, not giving up any QB pressures, hurries, or hits, earning himself more of a look going forward.
His opportunity may have come earlier than expected. Thomas played both at left and right tackle against the Packers, and the Cowboys could juggle things around once again to find the optimal offensive line grouping. Terence Steele and Brock Hoffman are the only sure-fire starters as of now. Thomas, alongside Trevor Keegan, TJ Bass, and Hakeem Adeniji, will be competing for the remaining three spots.
This gives the Cowboys an opportunity to figure out a better combination in front of Dak Prescott. The star quarterback has been working his magic despite operating behind a leaky offensive line and a struggling blind-side protector. If Thomas proves to be a better option there, Guyton's absence could end up being a blessing in disguise.