The Dallas Cowboys are taking significant hits when it comes to key players sustaining injuries. A game has yet to be played this season, and Dallas is already dealing with multiple injuries on the offensive line.
Terence Steele has been dealing with an ankle injury but is back on the practice field. Now, guard Robert Jones is expected to miss two to three months as the offensive lineman deals with a broken bone in his neck.
“Sources: Cowboys guard Rob Jones, who has been working with the starting unit during the early part of training camp, broke a bone in his neck during Sunday’s practice and now is expected to miss 2-3 months, per @toddarcher and me,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in a July 28, 2025, message on X.
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Here’s what you need to know about Jones’ injury.
Rookie Tyler Booker Was Practicing With the Reserves Prior to Rob Jones’ Injury
The news clears the path for rookie Tyler Booker, who was already competing for the starting gig prior to Jones’ injury. Now, Booker has little margin for error without the Cowboys having Jones as insurance to start the season.
“Tyler Booker was with the 2s yesterday,” The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt noted in a July 27, message on X.
“I asked Brian Schottenheimer the thought process behind that: he said Rob Jones had earned it, Booker had hit a small rookie wall, and they can’t have a ‘compete every day’ mantra if they don’t back it up.”
Will the Cowboys Make More Roster Moves to Address Recent Injuries?
Dallas would be wise to make an additional roster move to add depth on the offensive line. Booker was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, a spot where most rookies are expect to start immediately.
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“To this point in camp Jones, a free agency acquisition by the Cowboys, had been impressing and providing a point of leadership for first-round pick Tyler Booker,” Blogging The Boys’ RJ Ochoa explained in a July 28, story titled, “Report: Cowboys OL Rob Jones suffered broken bone in neck, out 2-3 months.”
“That he has to miss time is a big letdown and means, from a where-do-they-go standpoint, the Cowboys are going to have to shore up their depth along the offensive line.”
The Cowboys Have Big Expectations for Brock Hoffman
In addition to Booker, the Cowboys success on the offensive line may also involve Brock Hoffman. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer gave Hoffman rave reviews during the offseason.
“I would never bet against Brock Hoffman,” Schottenheimer said in April, per Sports Illustrated’s Matt Galatzan. “Brock Hoffman man, if I was in a back room of a bar and had to get out, the way he’s wired, he would be one of the first guys I want with me.
“Absolutely, he’s just wired the right way, the flexibility being able to play center and guard of course is the puzzle we have to fit together. But Brock Hoffman, the intensity and the way he plays the game is hard to find.”
