One of the Cowboys' biggest training camp battles may already be over. After a single padded practice, head coach Brian Schottenheimer seems to have settled the left tackle competition between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas.

Speaking to the media, the head coach said the battle between the two is over, noting that Guyton is leading the race, while Thomas isn't far behind.

"We're gonna keep him at starting left tackle right now," Schottenheimer said of Guyton, per NFL media. "We talked to Nate (Thomas). Nate needs to show us a little bit more consistent play to push for that.”

One padded practice was all it took for the Cowboys' head coach, according to NFL Media, to identify his starting left tackle. Tyler Guyton dominated in pass protection on Monday while displaying the technical growth the Cowboys have long been waiting to see.

“I know we told you guys about the rotation, so Tyler will stay at left tackle. Excited to see how Nate handles that challenge. Tyler's playing really, really well,” said the head coach.

While this might be good news for Tyler, the Cowboys should remain cautious moving forward. The 25-year-old surrendered six sacks in 2024 and was among the league's most penalized offensive linemen, according to PFF.

However, last season he showed significant progress, allowing just two sacks and 31 pressures across 418 pass-blocking snaps.

Meanwhile, Nathan impressed in limited action, allowing just three sacks and 24 pressures while making four starts last season.

Staying healthy and eliminating inconsistency have always been Guyton's biggest challenges. However, Schottenheimer assured that the team is working to address both issues.

Brian Schottenheimer pleased with Tyler Guyton's progress

Naming Guyton the frontrunner this early has allowed Dallas to maximise his first-team reps, helping him refine his technique and strengthen his chemistry with the team.

The head coach further said the coaching staff is putting him through tougher game situations.

“I think he’s doing some really great things,” Schottenheimer said, per A to Z Sports. “His sets are very compact. He’s in control. He’s not oversetting; he’s playing the leverage game, his punches have been good. But I don’t think that’s anything new to the pads.”

As for Nate Thomas, Schottenheimer emphasised that the competition isn't over, adding that the second-year lineman is being pushed to take the next step following an inconsistent rookie year.

What are your thoughts on Brian Schottenheimer's decision at left tackle? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore