The Dallas Cowboys’ aspirations for the upcoming season are facing an early test, as a series of concerning injuries on the offensive line has underscored the critical need for robust depth within the unit.

Most recently, starting left guard Tyler Smith, a key figure and two-time Pro Bowl selection, prematurely exited a recent training camp practice due to tendinitis in his knee.

While Smith, a first-round pick in 2022 with 47 career starts, assured reporters he was “fine,” his absence, even for a short duration, highlights the fragility of an already challenged position group for the Cowboys.

This incident follows closely on the heels of other significant setbacks, including starting left tackle Tyler Guyton sustaining a right knee fracture and reserve guard Rob Jones breaking a bone in his neck earlier in the week, further stressing the team’s crucial offensive line depth.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged the physical nature of camp but expressed relief that Guyton’s injury, expected to sideline him for four to six weeks, was not more severe given the circumstances, calling it a “best-case scenario.”

Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams reinforced the team’s philosophical shift towards prioritizing comprehensive depth, asserting that the recent NFL injuries will not alter their approach to preparing every player on the roster, emphasizing that “everybody needs to be getting better.”

Adams further emphasized the importance of versatility among linemen, encouraging players like Nathan Thomas to be ready for multiple positions across the offensive line, reinforcing the “everybody needs to be ready” mantra crucial for managing unforeseen circumstances at NFL training camp.

To mitigate the escalating challenges, the Dallas Cowboys are actively exploring external options, including scheduling a workout with veteran offensive lineman La’el Collins, who previously played six seasons with the team, as part of their broader Cowboys news strategy to solidify the roster.