The Cowboys' offensive line will be a close watch in Oxnard, and now it will be for an even bigger reason.
The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line is going to be a key watch in Oxnard as training camp begins, and for a host of reasons.
We know of the problems at left tackle, and the open battle with Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas, plus, Terence Steele at right tackle isn't exactly great for some either.
So, there will be plenty to look for as the Cowboys hit the practice field, but now there might just be a little extra something in the air, and it's to do with stud guard Tyler Smith.
We know Smith was kicked out to tackle last season due to injuries, and it isn't known if coach Brian Schottenheimer will deploy him there again if Guyton or Thomas aren't up to standard.
But as the Cowboys arrived in Oxnard, Smith spoke to the media, and when asked whether he'll be playing guard or tackle in 2026, he gave a rather interesting answer.
"We'll see what happens, ultimately, Schotty makes those decisions," Smith said via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "Wherever I do line up, I'm going to be at the best of my abilities."
When asked if he has been told where he is playing, Smith responded ...
"I haven't been told anything."
So that looms as a big watch as camp begins, so too how Guyton and Thomas fare, but what about the others?
Cooper Beebe is a lock at center, having proven himself to be a dependable option, while Tyler Booker at right guard appears on a path towards a Pro Bowl in the near future.
So that takes care of the starting five, with the left-hand side a huge question mark as Schottenheimer gets set to take charge of his second camp.
Elsewhere, things get interesting on the depth chart.
T.J. Bass is the "stud" of the rest, with rookie Drew Shelton expected to push Steele at right tackle. Trevor Keegan, DJ Wingfield, Ajani Cornelius, Chris Glaser, Nick Leverett, Marcellus Johnson, and Shiyazh Pete are the others who make up the room.
So, there is competition for spots.
Guyton/Thomas, Smith, Beebe, Booker and Steele are the starters.
Then Bass and Shelton as the next ones up, (maybe Cornelius) and behind them? That is what camp is for, to find out who has "it" and who doesn't.
But that might not be the big storyline here.
The big storyline is that pending Guyton's performance, three-time Pro Bowler Smith doesn't know what position he's playing in 2026.
