5 Cowboys options on the offensive line after 2 key injuries

The Dallas Cowboys have some tough decisions looming for their offensive line with the injury bug biting harder than normal.

The team has lost guard Rob Jones, who was taking starting reps in training camp, to a neck injury for two-to-three months. Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton also went down with a knee injury on Monday that was originally feared to be an ACL tear.

However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport later reported that initial testing showed a glimmer of hope for Guyton and Dallas in that regard amid "obvious concern" for a "serious knee injury."

Even if Guyton can return at some point in the season, the Cowboys will probably be down two key pieces to the 2025 offensive line for a good bit of time. That is not great news for any team, but Dallas has clear playoff aspirations behind quarterback Dak Prescott.

With Prescott's health paramount after his 2024 season was cut short with injury, the Cowboys will have to act fast to figure out a contingency plan for the offensive trenches. Let's dive into what Dallas' best options are to withstand the offensive line issues.

Immediately move left guard Tyler Smith to left tackle

Smith played left tackle as a rookie and will likely be called upon once again to fill in for Guyton if the latter misses significant time. While Smith's most natural position is guard, Dallas will probably need him to shift over a spot and protect Prescott's blind side. It's crucial to get a player who knows the system at this point in the offseason, and having Smth on the roster at least alleviates that concern. It's not the most ideal move, but it's probably necessary.

Sign a free agent to compete for the left guard job

The team needs a veteran guard in the worst way if moving Smith to tackle really is the most likely path. Former Minnesota Vikings guard Dalton Risner is the best option available who has meaningful experience playing on the left side of the line. The Cowboys need to get Risner on the phone as soon as possible to sign him. The other top guards available are Brandon Scherff, Shaq Mason and Will Hernandez, but they all favor the right side of the line. Veteran Cody Whitehair is the best guard available after Risner who could man the left spot of the line right away.

Make sure Tyler Booker is ready to go at right guard

Booker is the team's first-round pick from April, and he's basically locked into a starting role at right guard at the moment. The team will need him to perform at a high level to help salvage a now dinged-up offensive line. His immediate success would be huge to helping Dallas sleep a bit easier at night for the offense's floor and ceiling.

Sign Andrus Peat as a reserve to replace Jones

Peat is the best veteran available with both guard and tackle experience. Dallas needs some versatility in the reserves should injury strike again, and Peat has ample starting experience in the past. He would be a really nice depth option for a Cowboys team trying to contend for the NFC this season. Veteran depth is key for this team.

If you're not moving Smith over, trade for Yosh Nijman

Moving Smith to left tackle remains Dallas' best option, but what if they don't want to go down this path? If not, trade a late 2026 draft pick to the Carolina Panthers for Nijman, who has left tackle experience from his days with the Green Bay Packers. He can contend for the role right away and may well win it to start the season.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Cowboys options on the offensive line after 2 key injuries