The Dallas Cowboys had serious injury concerns on their offensive line when they went to New York and had an impressive road win over the Jets. They were down four starters on the offensive line due to injuries; however, the Dak Prescott-led offense didn't skip a beat.
Although America's Team proved it can overcome adversity, but it looks like they'll have a fuller lineup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6.
Offensive guard Tyler Smith was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a concussion, and could make his return on Sunday. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Tyler Guyton was a full participant on Thursday after suffering a concussion in Week 4 and missing Week 5. Although the update suggests that Guyton will likely be available to suit up against the Panthers, that may not necessarily be a good thing for the Cowboys.
Tyler Guyton's Return Gives Brian Schottenheimer a Difficult Decision
For the second straight season, Guyton has been struggling in pass protection. After a rough rookie campaign, the first-round pick has somehow shown very little improvement. If anything, his Pro Football Focus grades show a regression, going from a 49.4 offensive grade to 43.1, and a 60.2 pass block grade to 32.8. His mistake-prone style and tendency to pick up frustrating penalties continue, as he has the most penalties on the team for the second consecutive season.
Knowing Guyton's profile as a prospect coming to the league, this may not be that surprising. He was considered to be a raw prospect who would need time and patience to develop into a high-level left tackle. His physical and athletic tools were what got him drafted, and his limited starting experience at college made him a risky selection.
That is why the Cowboys are in a tough spot. On one hand, they want to win now. On the other hand, they need to play Guyton for him to develop into the left tackle of the future for the franchise. Yet, giving him the start is actively hurting the team.
In Guyton's absence, Nate Thomas got the start against the Jets. He wasn't particularly effective in his first career start, either. He was still credited with a lower pressure rate than Guyton, allowing a pressure in 6.7% of his snaps compared to Guyton's 8.6%, per PFF. Thomas is still an unknown after missing his entire rookie season. The Cowboys could give him a chance to see what they have in him, but that runs the risk of antagonizing Guyton.
All of this will likely give head coach Brian Schottenheimer a headache heading into Week 6. Guyton will almost certainly be available on Sunday, whether he is starting, however, will give fans a good idea about how the organization feels about their second-year player.