Lost in the ensuing madness that resulted from the Dallas Cowboys Week 4 tie against the Green Bay Packers was the overall solid offensive line play they received. With multiple starters missing and the Packers having a highly touted pass rush, the front five should be lauded for giving up only one sack.
Of course, they did so after losing Tyler Guyton mid game. Now, it seems possible that they’ll have to make do without him in Week 5 as well.
According to Cowboys writer Patrik Walker, Guyton’s exit was caused by a concussion, and he will need to clear concussion protocol before suiting up in their game against the Jets this Sunday.
In Guyton’s stead, second-year player Nate Thomas filled in admirably during his 17 snaps. While he did record a penalty, he had both average run blocking grades (60.3) and pass blocking grades (57.2).
Those marks aren’t exactly eye-catching, but they’re more than sufficient for a player who hadn’t recorded a professional snap in his career and was thrown into a sudden-change situation. With more time to prepare for a potential start on Sunday, it will be very interesting to see how Thomas performs if Guyton can’t go for Dallas against the Jets.
Taking a look at the bigger picture, it’s of course disheartening that the Cowboys offensive line has suffered yet another injury. Between Cooper Beebe and Tyler Booker already being out, it feels like a constant flow of frustration is trickling out of the position group.
But, the next man up keeps stepping up as, between Thomas, Brock Hoffman, and TJ Bass, it seems like the front office has apparently been able to accumulate eight competent offensive linemen. For all the well-deserved criticisms they receive, they’ve earned at least a pat on the back for building usable depth at a critical position.
If the offensive line can continue to keep its head above water through these injuries, then the offense as a whole might be able to do so for Dallas’ season. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the defense likely won’t make enough strides in season to be considered anything more than below average on its best weeks.
With that in mind, it’ll be up to Dak and the offense to win shootouts every week if they want even an outside shot at the playoffs. And, to win those shootouts, the offensive line will have to keep reloading its chamber after each injury.