Cowboys' opening starting lineup could include an unfamiliar face
Trying to decipher what the Dallas Cowboys' starting offensive line will look like in 2023 has been as challenging as proving the theory of quantum physics (not that I know the slightest thing about the latter). The Cowboys have suggested they're exploring every possible option and they even showed different combinations during OTAs and minicamp. […]
Trying to decipher what the Dallas Cowboys' starting offensive line will look like in 2023 has been as challenging as proving the theory of quantum physics (not that I know the slightest thing about the latter).
The Cowboys have suggested they're exploring every possible option and they even showed different combinations during OTAs and minicamp. In the voluntary phase of the offseason, Tyler Smith lined up at left tackle while Tyron Smith worked the right tackle spot.
In the mandatory minicamp, however, they changed things up as both lined up on the left side of the unit with Tyler working at guard. What will things actually look like when the 2023 season starts?
The best I can do for you is an educated guess. But I'll admit that it's impossible to know for sure especially given the question marks around Terence Steele's health. The right tackle suffered a torn ACL in December, which has kept him on the sidelines this offseason.
Mike McCarthy said earlier this month that Steele's status for the start of training camp is up in the air. While he didn't say the fourth-year player will start on PUP, one would assume it's a possibility.
In turn, that also means his status to play Week 1 is in question. We witnessed a very similar situation with wide receiver Michael Gallup last year, who rejoined the active roster until October.
If the Cowboys want to play it cool and give Steele as much time as possible, I'd expect Matt Waletzko to be a part of the starting offensive line to kick off the season. Waletzko hasn't played on offense yet, with the exception of one snap in Week 3 against the New York Giants where he was used as an extra offensive lineman.
Heading into the 2023 season, he appears to be the favorite for the swing tackle job and is even spending some time at left guard. It surely sounds like the Cowboys would feel confident playing him if needed.
“Everybody has been very impressed with Matt," McCarthy told reporters of the second-year player. "He’s had a heck of an offseason."
Assuming what we saw in mandatory minicamp is the Cowboys' real plan, this is how I'd project the offensive line while we await Steele's return to action:
- LT: Tyron Smith
- LG: Tyler Smith
- C: Tyler Biadasz
- RG: Zack Martin
- RT: Terence Steele
When the Cowboys report to training camp on July 24th, we're likely to start gathering more and more answers. Stay tuned.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
