From hopeful to hobbled: Unwanted reality hits Cowboys Camp

Training camp in Oxnard was meant to be about gaining ground. Instead, the Cowboys are navigating a wave of injuries that have impacted key spots and accelerated depth concerns.

 Front Line Takes a Hit

Second-year left tackle Tyler Guyton avoided a worst-case scenario after an MRI confirmed his ACL remained intact. However, the scan also revealed a bone fracture in his right knee, which will sideline him for an estimated 4–6 weeks.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer remained optimistic about Guyton’s status, saying, “MRI showed the ACL is intact, but we’ve got to prepare for life without him for a while.” With veteran depth thin at tackle, Dallas will need to rely heavily on swing linemen to hold the line during Guyton’s recovery.

The injury woes didn’t stop there. Guard Rob Jones, who had been earning first-team reps, suffered a neck fracture that will keep him out for 2–3 months. While surgery won’t be necessary, his extended absence shifts immediate focus to rookie first-round pick Tyler Booker.

“It’s an unfortunate break, but that’s football,” said offensive line coach Jeff Blasko. “Booker’s going to be asked to step up sooner than expected, and we trust him to handle it.”

Secondary in Survival Mode

The defense hasn’t escaped unscathed either. Promising young cornerback Caelen Carson hyperextended his knee during a padded practice and will also miss 4–6 weeks. With Trevon Diggs, Shavon Revel Jr., and Josh Butler all still on the PUP or NFI lists, the cornerback room is wearing thin.

“We’re thin at cornerback—this puts more pressure on the young guys and our Plan B,” Schottenheimer admitted.

In response, the Cowboys signed Christian Matthew, a veteran with prior experience in Arizona and Chicago. He’ll likely compete for reps immediately as Dallas attempts to hold its defensive backfield together through camp.

 Ripples Across the Roster

It’s not just the line and secondary that have been affected. The tight end room took a hit with Brevyn Spann‑Ford dealing with a leg issue that will cost him 2–3 weeks. At wide receiver, veteran Parris Campbell is currently day‑to‑day with a lower-body injury, while second-year back Deuce Vaughn is managing a hamstring strain that has him sidelined temporarily.

The good news? Right tackle Terence Steele, who had been nursing a sprained ankle earlier in camp, has returned to full-speed practice. However, safety Juanyeh Thomas is dealing with a leg issue that has his status still up in the air.

“This year’s about availability,” said Schottenheimer. “We’re testing our depth now—can these guys rise before turbulent moments hit?”

The Bigger Picture

The Cowboys entered training camp hopeful, but they now face early adversity across both sides of the ball. With Guyton and Jones sidelined, the offensive line becomes a question mark. On defense, depth at cornerback is already being stretched to its limits.

Still, Schottenheimer insists the team isn’t panicking—just adapting.

“Every camp tests you in different ways. This one’s just testing us a little earlier than we expected,” he said.

If the Cowboys can navigate the next few weeks without further setbacks—and if their next men up prove ready—Dallas might still be in shape to charge into the season. But make no mistake: the margin for error has already narrowed.