The Dallas Cowboys caught a massive break Monday when an MRI revealed Tyler Guyton suffered only a fractured knee and will miss 4–6 weeks. It was initially feared the second-year offensive tackle had torn his ACL, but he managed to avoid the worst-case scenario.
While the update is worth celebrating, Guyton still needs every rep he can get at left tackle. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are now in a serious bind along their offensive line. So, how will Dallas pivot?
Per Patrik Walker of the team's official website, free agent signee Hakeem Adeniji will get the first crack at replacing Guyton.
"It would appear the line begins behind Hakeem Adeniji, a native of Garland, Texas who entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020. His experience includes active playing time with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns as well, and he's shown very real flashes throughout the start of Cowboys' training camp," Walker reported.
Cowboys will reportedly turn to Hakeem Adeniji to replace Tyler Guyton
Adeniji inked a one-year contract with the Cowboys in April. He made four appearances with the Vikings last season, and he is two years removed from playing a key role for the Bengals during their run to the Super Bowl in 2022.
The 27-year-old can play both tackle and guard spots and he has impressed early on in training camp.
What may give Cowboys fans pause about the idea - other than his lack of starting experience - is that there's been no mention of Adeniji playing left tackle in Oxnard. He finished Friday's practice at right tackle with the starters with Terence Steele resting his ankle. The coaching staff is putting a lot of faith in Adeniji’s ability to smoothly transition to the opposite side of the line.
In addition to Adeniji, Walker mentioned that Asim Richards and Ajani Cornelius will rotate in behind. 2024 seventh-round pick Nate Thomas, another camp standout, is a candidate for reps, but he has seen some work at right guard in camp.
Walker swiftly ruled out Tyron Smith putting on his Superman cape and pausing his retirement. Beyond that, the Cowboys seemingly do not have any interest in the top available free agents, which includes Charles Leno (33 years old), Donovan Smith (32), and David Bakhtiari (turns 34 in September). A La'el Collins reunion likely won't be happening, either.
It doesn't seem Dallas has any interest looking externally. That is hardly surprising. And it hardly inspires any confidence, but Brian Schottenheimer seems to be a big fan of Adeniji. At least they have a good amount of time before Week 1 to see what they have behind Guyton.
