With the training camp approaching, the Dallas Cowboys have yet to resolve the uncertainty at the left tackle position that protects the franchise signal caller, Dak Prescott’s blindside. 

Left tackle Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas are expected to battle in the training camp for the LT starter spot, though many analysts have predicted Guyton to be the favorite for the spot. 

“The uncertainty is of significant importance to Prescott,” Sami Haider of Sporting News wrote. “Left tackle protects the quarterback's blind side, and instability there can disrupt both the passing game and overall offensive rhythm before plays have time to develop.”

With training camp approaching, the Cowboys still haven't settled their left tackle position, leaving a major question over who will protect Dak Prescott's blind side.

The Cowboys drafted Guyton in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 29) to replace eight-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith, who left in free agency. Smith signed with the New York Jets.

He has appeared in 25 games (21 starts), logging 1,320 snaps across two seasons.

The left tackle battle was revealed by head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the OTAs, to "get the best out of" the two players and make Guton earn the position, according to Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com

Guyton's availability was marred by injuries since his rookie season: knee and shoulder injuries in 2024 (missed two final games) and an ankle injury in 2025.

“That competition reflects Guyton's uneven development,” Sami Haider of Sporting News wrote in the same article. “The former first-round pick has started 21 games since entering the league, but injuries and inconsistent play have prevented him from establishing himself as Dallas' long-term answer at left tackle.”

While Guyton's starter position is doubtful, the depth behind him is unproven as well, as Nate Thomas was placed on injury reserve in his rookie season due to knee tendonitis.

He had his full season with the Cowboys in 2025, starting 4 of 17 games and playing for 341 snaps.

The uncertainty doesn't stop with the tackle competition itself, as the ripple effects could impact the entire offensive line.

Left tackle uncertainty puts the Cowboys’ offensive line under pressure

Jon Machota of The Athletic raises concerns about the strength of the offensive line if Smith moves from the guard position, considering the thin depth behind him with T.J. Bass.

"Left tackle is the biggest question mark on the Cowboys’ offense," Machota wrote. "The biggest issue for the Cowboys is that if neither proves he can hold the job down, All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith will likely have to move out to left tackle, weakening the interior of their line."

Smith played the last three games as a fill-in instead of Guyton, who was sidelined due to injuries.

Smith has played 295 snaps for the last two seasons and 977 snaps during his rookie season at the left tackle position alone, according to Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com.

Machota believes that if Guyton fails to lock down the left tackle job, Dallas could be forced to weaken one position to solve another by moving Tyler Smith outside.

Who do you think will be the LT for the Cowboys in the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments.

Read more on the Dallas Cowboys Community

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey