We are closing in on the first regular season game of the season, and as you look at the Dallas Cowboys roster, outside of CeeDee Lamb not being signed, they are decent in most spots.
They still have one concern that could cause a problem if they lose any more players to injury on this front.
The offensive line still has a depth problem, particularly at left tackle.
Cowboys left tackle Tyler Guyton left practice today with a sore knee. He should be fine
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 21, 2024
Tackle Roundup
Depth at tackle is the first thing that jumps off the screen when you look at the Dallas Cowboys offensive line.
Chuma Edoga’s injury is expected to put him out for at least eight weeks.
That leaves them with one backup tackle behind Tyler Guyton on the left side and that is Asim Richards. The right is filled with Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball behind Terence Steele.
Just thinking of what might happen, if this team loses Guyton, they could be in trouble.
Adding depth to the offensive tackles on the left side would mean Jerry would have to spend money, and to do that, and if he spends his type of money, the left side would continue to be a disaster behind Tyler Guyton.
Update: Tyler Guyton removed himself from practice due to knee soreness.
I’m told he’s fine and “it’s not a big deal.”
Literally same as Cooks. #Cowboys https://t.co/ar2zJY3HPk
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 21, 2024
Speaking of Guyton, the Cowboys got another scare yesterday. Tyler removed himself from practice on Wednesday. He went back to the locker room.
Thankfully, it was due to knee soreness, the same thing Brandin Cooks was dealing with a handful of days ago.
What About The Rest?
Injuries are going to happen, more so on the offensive line as these guys are throwing blocks, and someone rolls their ankle by stepping on it, or something similar.
Guyton and Tyler Smith will be on the left side, while Zack Martin and Terence Steele are on the right.
I am still not sold on Steele, even two years removed from a torn ACL. This dude has not looked even remotely the same since that injury. He got his money, though.
We just saw Michael Gallup have to retire this offseason after signing with the Los Vegas Raiders because I just don’t think he could get the feeling he was 100% again.
Steele will need to have a very good year to help the younger players on the team.
Cooper Beebe looks to be the lock at starting center this season after Tyler Biadasz joined Dan Quinn in Washington this offseason.
The Cowboys will also have probably the best backup guard that can also play center if needed, T.J. Bass.
How this dude went undrafted I have no idea.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones when asked for players who have excited him in training camp: “Pointedly, I’m excited about our offensive line. I’m excited about the individual players. I’m excited about the depth. I’m excited about the youth there.”
What position groups are going to… pic.twitter.com/hNumDuZ3Gc
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2024
Growing Pains
We should probably expect at least some growing pains with this young offensive line. They are not going to be very good early, but should get better as the season progresses.
I see this line being just about as average as it was last season. They still have Martin and Smith, who will likely be Pro Bowlers again, while as long as Guyton can stay up right, he will be solid.
Beebe seems to be the steal of the draft, and Steele will be my only worry, but if one of them has to miss an extended time, they are not in good shape with how bad the backups on this team are.
Jerry Jones when asked for players who have excited him in training camp: “Pointedly, I’m excited about our offensive line. I’m excited about the individual players. I’m excited about the depth. I’m excited about the youth there,” he said.
You dang well know the only reason Jerry is excited is that all of these guys are homegrown. He did not have to pay for any of them.
If these two rookies, TG and CB, can start and PLAY WELL at the two most important positions on the o-line, that would be a real coup for the team. Their first regular season game vs a very good Browns d-line will be a real test, and may provide a clearer picture of what they have in these rooks.
BTW, I hope “it’s not a big deal”.
Wedensday >> Wednesday
Offensive line has the best depth it had in Years…injuries happen and when they do this year IF a couple of olinemen miss some time we are in good shape with our depth..,
And the Less we hear about Steele the better..,he worked his ass off after his injury to get where he is right now…and we should be excited about that not worried…he is a Solid olineman and I expect nothing less then his best year two years removed from injury…
Two new starters who have never started anywhere in the pros and they play the two most important offense line positions….center and left tackle. What could go wrong?
a Cowboys fan, since the 70’s the 2024 draft class shuold be able to get in the starting line up because so many players left through free agency and retirement
Was thinking the same thing. But that’s a double-edged sword. If they are starting just b/c so many players left the building, then that is not necessarily a good thing. Conversely maybe they are worthy of starting. We’ll find out soon enough.