Cowboys handed major blow with veteran tackle forced to miss major time
The Cowboys are looking less all-in than ever before as injuries to key players pile up ahead of the 2024 season. Owner Jerry Jones had set a target of going all the way but that has been hampered by a lack of trades in the offseason followed by a middling draft with depth not added particularly in the running back position, and contract negotiations dragging on with key players including the quarterback.
And just as the season is about to begin, players like left tackle Chuma Edoga are being compromised because of injury. He injured his big toe in their first preseason game against the Rams and is looking at a time-out for more than two months. It could be even longer should surgery be required, with that option under discussion.
The Cowboys now need to see what decision they take with him; they need to wait for the regular season to put him on injured reserve if they feel he can come back during the season. Otherwise, he will need to be sidelined for the rest of the season.
In his absence, Tyler Guyton is expected to start at left tackle. He was taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, so the rookie is going to be thrown straight into a challenging situation.
Looking at the Cowboys' O-line depth chart
The offensive line was a cause for the Cowboys with multiple starters from last year leaving during the offseason and that is why they addressed these issues first in the draft. As mentioned above, Tyler Guyton is the second in line to Chuma Edoga on the depth chart. Asim Richards will be giving him stiff competition for that position.
In the left guard position, it's Tyler Smith leading the way with T.J. Bass and Nathan Thomas following. The center starting spot is going to be most likely Brock Hoffman's but rookie third-rounder Cooper Beebe will add depth, with his versatility across the offensive line likely to be used. Zack Martin will most probably start at right guard ahead of Josh Ball, whereas Terence Steel will take the right guard position with Mike Waletzko and Earl Bostick Jr. fighting for the remaining spots.
The full expected depth chart for the Cowboys' offensive line is given below.
If the Cowboys are to have any chance of succeeding, especially with their running back situation not being the strongest in the league with an aging Ezekiel Elliott their projected starter, all the players in the offensive line will have to step up when called to perform.