The Dallas Cowboys had a crucial competition for the starting left tackle job throughout spring practices, training camp, and their first preseason game. The Cowboys had a vacancy at left tackle after Tyron Smith signed with the Jets in free agency. Smith spent the last 13 years in Dallas, starting 161 games, with eight Pro Bowls and two first-team All-Pro selections.
The Cowboys faced off against the Rams at SoFi Stadium for their first preseason game last Sunday. They lost 12-13. Unfortunately, one of their competitors suffered an injury.
The Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman exited the preseason with an injury
Chuma Edoga opened the first preseason game as the starting left tackle against the Rams. Unfortunately, he exited the first quarter with an injury to his left big toe and missed the rest of the game. He was spotted in a walking boot after the game and underwent an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury.
His injury is a cause for concern.
Chuma Edoga suffered a significant injury
According to David Moore of Dallas Morning News, Edoga suffered a significant toe injury. He will likely start the season on injured reserve and could miss at least the first four games. The Cowboys do not expect him to undergo surgery, but he will have to do extensive rehab.
The Cowboys OL suffers a blow.
Veteran Chuma Edoga will likely open the season on IR after suffering a significant injury to his left big toe in the pre-season opener, multiple people w/ knowledge of the injury said.
No surgery, but extensive rehab ahead.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) August 13, 2024
The Cowboys had Edoga listed as the starting left tackle in their first unofficial depth chart in the neck-and-neck competition. If he does miss the first few games of 2024, he will no longer be part of the race. Their rookie is now the front-runner.
The Dallas Cowboys first-round pick is now the front-runner
Tyler Guyton is the clear front-runner to start at left tackle. The Cowboys drafted Guyton 29th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft with the intention of him replacing Tyron Smith and converting him from right to left tackle. He spent the last two seasons with the Sooners, playing 20 games and starting 13 at right tackle.
Guyton has performed well in training camp and their first preseason game. Mike McCarthy wants to keep giving him more opportunities.
“We just want to keep moving forward with him,” McCarthy said of Guyton. “Thought he had good snaps in the game but obviously a young player, just needs as many reps as possible.”
In the meantime, expect Asim Richards to receive more playing time as the new backup to Guyton, and potentially be their swing tackle while Edoga recovers.
