Cowboys Prepare for Potential Shift at Left Tackle Amid Health Concerns

The Dallas Cowboys appear to be signaling a possible transition at the left tackle position, as Tyler Guyton's status as a starter comes under scrutiny. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer recently revealed an ongoing competition between Guyton and swing tackle Nate Thomas, indicating that the team is ready to consider alternatives if Guyton cannot maintain consistent health.

This development is not entirely unexpected; prior to the start of training camp, the Cowboys had already begun to plan for a future without Guyton. The team selected left tackle Drew Shelton in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft and has since expressed strong confidence in his abilities, with one insider stating, “Only so few humans can play tackle in the NFL, and he's one of them.” This is reminiscent of the high praise the organization once bestowed upon Guyton under a different coaching regime, which has since changed.

Guyton now faces increased pressure from both Thomas and Shelton, who is biding his time to potentially take over as the long-term solution. However, Guyton's primary hurdle remains his health; his availability has been a significant issue throughout his career. He has missed a total of nine games across his first two seasons, grappling with various injuries including a knee issue and a concussion, which hindered his performance in 2024 and 2025.

With new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and offensive line coach Conor Riley at the helm, Guyton finds himself on notice. They appear to be emphasizing the importance of reliability, signaling that if he can't prove his durability, he may be replaced. Currently, Thomas is receiving important practice snaps, while Shelton is given the opportunity to acclimate to the NFL's demands.

If Guyton does not manage to alter his injury-prone narrative, the Cowboys seem poised to explore options that could include trading or releasing him, a situation no player wants to face.