The Dallas Cowboys gutted out a win against the New York Jets in Week 5 despite missing four starters along their offensive line. Behind a completely different group who were mostly playing together for the first time, quarterback Dak Prescott managed to put together another elite performance to continue to make his case in the MVP race.

One of the offensive linemen who missed Week 5 was left tackle Tyler Guyton. The second-year pro had left the week prior with a concussion and wasn’t able to get out of the protocol on time to suit up against the Jets. Despite his absence, however, the former first-round pick was among the winners of the week.

Tyler Guyton Is a Winner in Week 5 Despite Missing the Jets Clash

The reason for that was the performance of Nate Thomas, who started in Guyton’s place. In his first career start, only a week after his first offensive snaps in the NFL, Thomas played every down as the left tackle. Even relative to the very low standard Guyton has established at left tackle, Thomas wasn’t able to hold his own, finishing the game as the lowest-graded offensive player for Dallas on Pro Football Focus with 45.9. His pass block grade left plenty to be desired with 29.1.

This means that upon his return, Guyton shouldn’t be at risk of losing his starting spot to Thomas. Even though the former Oklahoma standout has yet to put it together in the NFL after being considered a top prospect with some of the most intriguing athletic and physical tools, there is little reason for the Cowboys to bench Guyton if this is what they are going to get out of Thomas.

That doesn’t mean, however, that Guyton is not on thin ice. He continues to be a frustrating starter, leading the team in penalties for a second straight year. Both his overall offensive grade (43.1) and pass block grade (32.8) on PFF are somehow lower than his disappointing rookie campaign (49.4 and 60.2, respectively). At the same time, it is understandable that the organization wants to keep giving him a chance because of his upside.

When Guyton came into the league, many assumed that it would take a little while for him to get up to speed in the NFL. He was a raw prospect without much starting experience in college. The Cowboys have consistently been giving him developmental reps, and considering there is no one challenging him for the starting role, amid the slew of injuries, that isn’t likely to change any time soon.

If Guyton doesn’t show improvement in the second half of the season, head coach Brian Schottenheimer may not have a choice but to consider other options. It just likely won’t be Thomas after Week 5.