Cowboys O-lineman goes down; brings depth into question

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when the Dallas Cowboys escaped the preseason game in Los Angeles with no major injuries. That breath didn’t last long.

As reported by ESPN NFL Nation Reporter Todd Archer via Twitter/X, LT Chuma Edoga suffered a toe injury during this past Sunday’s game that will “have him miss time into the regular season”.

Archer also added that “no determination has been made on possible surgery yet”. Later in the day, further diagnosis showed that Edoga dislocated the big toe on his left foot, and is also suffering “other damage” to the joint.

As of now, surgery doesn’t appear to be needed, but he is expected to miss a number of games to start the regular season as he rehabilitates from the injury.

Chuma Edoga was the Cowboys’ swing tackle last season and was expected to reprise that same role this year, but he has been taking the bulk of the first team reps at left tackle.

That might come as a surprise to some, considering the Cowboys spent a first round pick on their left tackle of the future. Regardless of where Edoga would have lined up this season, his injury brings into question the depth of the Cowboys’ offensive line.

Options in Edoga’s absence and what it means for certain players is what’s on the agenda today.

What Does This Mean For Chuma Edoga?

It means Edoga should fear if his job will even be available when he returns from injury. The Cowboys could choose to put him on season-ending injured reserve instead of dealing with what could be a nagging issue.

Those of us who got to see Deion Sanders live in a Cowboys uniform remember how his turf toe limited his availability and effectiveness in the 1998 season.

Edoga doesn’t have turf toe, but for a player his size (6’8″ 308lbs) and for the position he plays, toe injuries tend to linger. He could end up being placed on injured reserve, or outright waived.

Even if he remains on the team, there are some players who could render him inactive if they can capitalize on the time he will be out.

Tyler Guyton Might Not Look Back

The first round pick mentioned above is none other than Tyler Guyton, the Oklahoma product.

Guyton immediately became the front-runner for the most important position on the offensive line: left tackle and protector of Dak Prescott’s blindside. His draft pedigree places him there, but it’s up to him to stay atop the depth chart.

It should please Cowboys Nation that Guyton was named the highest-graded offensive lineman of week 1 of the preseason, according to Pro Football Focus.

Tyler Guyton: 80.7 PFF Grade in Preseason Week 1

Highest among ALL rookie tackles 🤠 pic.twitter.com/bKRCMtHWo8
— PFF (@PFF) August 13, 2024

If the Cowboys can immediately transition from Tyron Smith to their next left tackle of the future, it will do wonders for the capability of the offensive line.

Other Candidates Don’t Stand Out

Unless Chuma Edoga makes a miraculous recovery, Tyler Guyton will be the starting left tackle in Cleveland for week 1 of the regular season.

However, Edoga’s injury still has a domino effect on the pecking order after the starting five of Guyton/Smith/Beebe or Hoffman/Martin/Steele. Edoga would likely have been the swing tackle, so naturally someone else needs to step up and take his place.

The choices don’t instill any confidence. Asim Richards, Matt Waletzko, and Earl Bostick Jr. are the only other tackles on the Cowboys roster. Richards is listed as the third string left tackle, but he played mostly left guard against the Rams and several analysts noticed he looked more comfortable and effective there.

Matt Waletzko has yet to be healthy enough to push for an increased role, and in his limited opportunities, has been a right side player anyway. Bostick Jr. is closer to being a camp body than he is to being a contributing player along the offensive line. He was bullied often by the Rams.

The Cowboys might have to resort to finding their next swing tackle from the free agent pool, and likely not until after final roster cuts have been made.