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.
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.
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.
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.