Cowboys & Guyton Avoid Major ACL Scare Amidst Injury Setbacks

The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line endured a tough two-day period, marked by major injuries that have cast doubt on the unit’s stability. On Sunday, veteran guard Robert Jones sustained a broken bone in his neck during training camp—an injury serious enough to keep him sidelined for a prolonged stretch. The challenges continued the following day when left tackle Tyler Guyton left Monday’s practice with a knee injury. Initial fears were high, with concerns that Guyton might have torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a severe injury typically requiring season-ending surgery. Thankfully, an MRI offered some reassurance: although Guyton did suffer a bone fracture in his right knee, his ACL remained intact. According to a trusted source, surgery won’t be necessary, though Guyton is expected to miss about four to six weeks while he recovers.

The injury occurred during a passing drill when Guyton went down and required thorough evaluation by the medical team. He remained on the ground for several minutes before being assisted—first by linebacker Micah Parsons—and eventually stood and walked off the field slowly on his own. This setback is especially disappointing considering Guyton’s background and his progression with the team. Selected as the Cowboys’ first-round pick, 29th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Guyton has displayed promising moments despite some early struggles in his rookie year. He appeared in 15 games last season, starting 11, and has put in significant work during the offseason to improve.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has spoken optimistically about Guyton’s growth, highlighting his increased confidence and preparedness as he approaches his sophomore season. Originally a right tackle at Oklahoma, Guyton shifted to left tackle as a rookie—a role demanding not only physical skill but also strong football intelligence and resilience. This transition was a considerable challenge, and the Cowboys’ coaching staff has kept a close watch on his development.

Guyton’s injury adds to the Cowboys’ offensive line difficulties following Jones’s setback. Although Jones will avoid surgery, his broken neck bone calls for careful rehabilitation, sidelining him for at least two to three months. This leaves Dallas with a weakened offensive line during a critical portion of training camp, with few replacement options currently available. As the team gears up for the season, they will need to identify solutions to fill these gaps and maintain a solid, unified offensive front to protect Dak Prescott effectively.