Cowboys Country

Potential Tyler Guyton replacements for Cowboys following knee injury

The Dallas Cowboys avoided the worst-case scenario with left tackle Tyler Guyton, but who could the team turn to while he recovers from his knee injury?
Houston Texans offensive tackle George Fant blocks Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt
Houston Texans offensive tackle George Fant blocks Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Near the end of training camp practice on Monday, the Dallas Cowboys were dealt a potentially devastating blow to the offensive line at one of its most key positions.

Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton went down with an apparent knee injury.

Guyton was initially being helped to the locker room after meeting with trainers, but there was some encouragement when he walked off under his own power.

MORE: Cowboys' Tyler Guyton gets potentially devastating injury news

That encouragement faded quickly as reports surfaced that the Cowboys fear a torn ACL for Guyton. However, the team avoided the worst-case scenario, and Guyton could potentially return in time for the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyler Guyton defends against defensive end Payton Turner during training camp
Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyler Guyton defends against defensive end Payton Turner during training camp | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With the possibility of Guyton missing the start of the 2025 NFL season, who could step in to protect the blindside of franchise quarterback Dak Prescott?

Here are some potential options to consider as a replacement for the 2024 first-round pick.


Jedrick Wills Jr.

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

This might be a roll of the dice, but the Cowboys have had some success with reclamation projects this offseason. Jedrick Wills Jr. had enough talent to go 10th overall in the 2020 NFL draft.

The problem is that he's been unmotivated and inconsistent. Could the energetic staff in Dallas get him to reach his potential? It might be worth bringing him in during camp to see.


Germain Ifedi

Cleveland Browns LT Germain Ifedi huddles in the tunnel during warm-ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins.
Cleveland Browns LT Germain Ifedi huddles in the tunnel during warm-ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins. | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

A first-round pick in 2016, Germain Ifedi spent four years with the Seattle Seahawks, two of which were with Brian Schottenheimer as his offensive coordinator.

While he never lived up to his draft status, Ifedi has 90 starts in 117 appearances.

Last year, he started in Cleveland for seven games, and while he wasn't an elite starter, he still proved he can be serviceable.


George Fant

Houston Texans offensive tackle George Fant reacts in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Houston Texans offensive tackle George Fant reacts in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Dallas actually worked out George Fant earlier this offseason, so this might be the most logical outside addition. Fant has played in 101 games with 75 starts.

He also spent two years with Schottenheimer in Seattle, so the trust could already be there.


Asim Richards

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Asim Richards goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star.
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Asim Richards goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star. | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

One in-house option would be to move Asim Richards into the starting lineup. A fifth-round pick out of North Carolina in 2023, Richards has proven to be a versatile player who has spent time at guard and tackle. He's also been working in the jumbo formation this offseason.

Richards appeared in 13 games with one start last season and proved to be a solid pass protector. He's likely going to be given every opportunity to win the job.


Tyler Smith

Dallas Cowboys G Tyler Smith goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility.
Dallas Cowboys G Tyler Smith goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

An outside-the-box option would be to move Tyler Smith from left guard to left tackle. Dallas has much more depth at guard, making it easier to find someone who can slide into Smith's spot.

Rob Jones would have been the best option had he not suffered a broken bone in his neck Sunday. Still, he's expected to be back at some point this year, and Brock Hoffman, Saadhiq Charles, or T.J. Bass could fill in until then.

They won't play up to the same level as Smith, but it's hard to argue anyone could outperform him at left tackle at this point.

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Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.