Tyler Guyton‘s second NFL season has come to an end. He has been placed on injured reserve, the Cowboys announced on Wednesday. 
Guyton last played in Week 12 and has been dealing with an ankle injury since. Having been eliminated from the playoffs, the Cowboys have only two games remaining in their season. IR stints at least four weeks, so today’s move ensures Guyton will now turn his attention to 2026.
Selected 29th overall in last year’s draft, Guyton was tasked with immediately taking on starting duties at the left tackle spot. Tyron Smith‘s replacement struggled as a rookie, with PFF charging him with six sacks allowed in pass protection. That resulted in Guyton grading out 73rd among 81 qualifying offensive tackles.
The Oklahoma product operated as a full-time starter in 10 appearances this season. He did not showcase much in the way of improvement, however, receiving an overall PFF grade of just 57.8 (ranking 65th among offensive tackles). Guyton’s future could include a position change, something which will no doubt be considered next year. For the remainder of the season, meanwhile, the Cowboys will once again slide guard Tyler Smith to the blindside.
Smith landed a monster extension (four years, $96MM) this year as an indication of his importance to the Cowboys’ O-line moving forward. The three-time Pro Bowler has thrived at left guard, which he has indicated is his preferred position. In the event of Guyton losing his gig on the blindside, though, moving Smith there permanently will be something the Cowboys consider.
“I’m an All-Pro guard, bro,” Smith said (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota). “That’s the simple truth. … We’ll see what happens. We’ll have those conversations. Gotta see where everybody’s head is at.”
The Cowboys could try Guyton at right tackle, but during this week’s appearance on 105.3 The Fan owner Jerry Jones said (h/t Machota) the team has not considered that option yet. In any case, how Dallas’ offensive line takes shape through the offseason will be a key storyline. The team will take on the Commanders tomorrow before finishing the season against the Giants.