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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 16: Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on prior to an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys‘ offensive line has been beaten up over the past few weeks, something the team hopes to address in the next part of the year. Luckily for the Cowboys, it wasn’t much of an issue against the New York Jets, as the offense was clicking on all cylinders.

The Jets’ defense is considered above average, but when the Cowboys start to play better teams, they’ll need all of their horses up front ready to go. It’s the harsh reality of the NFL, as teams typically struggle when multiple offensive linemen are out.

And fortunately for the Cowboys, this could be happening in the near future. According to Tommy Yarrish of the team, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that offensive lineman Tyler Guyton is finishing up in the concussion protocol.

“Tyler Guyton is “finishing up” concussion protocol, hopefully will be out soon. Jack Sanborn is in concussion protocol,” he wrote on X/Twitter.

It was later reported that Tyler Smith and Guyton were both back at practice after missing the game on Sunday in Week 5.

“Tyler Smith (knee) and Tyler Guyton (concussion) were back at practice today after missing the Jets game,” he added.

Can Tyler Guyton Make an Impact for the Cowboys 

Only 24 years old, Guyton still has plenty to prove in the NFL. He’s shown some decent signs for the Dallas Cowboys throughout his young career, but he’ll have to continue to improve, just like every other 24-year-old in the league.

Despite that, some believe he’s guaranteed himself a starting job moving forward, not because of how he has played, but because of how poorly others have played. That includes Nate Thomas, who was in for Guyton over the weekend. When examining this, Cem Yolbulan of FanSided wrote that Guyton should have a starting job for the foreseeable future due to his poor performance.

“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,” he wrote .

Cowboys Will Need to Rely on Their Depth

Regardless of whether it’s Guyton, Thomas, or others, if injuries continue to happen, the Dallas Cowboys will have to continue to be strong up front. They’re in a good position to go on a bit of a run over the next few weeks, but if they don’t get healthy, they shouldn’t expect much to change.

Jon Conahan covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. Since 2019, his sports coverage has appeared at Sports Illustrated, oddschecker, ClutchPoints and Sportskeeda. More about Jon Conahan