It didn’t take long for Brian Schottenheimer to quiet down controversial Dallas Cowboys storyline
The Dallas Cowboys just cleared the air regarding a controversial storyline about the starting lineup that broke out on Monday following comments by All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith.
Before the Dallas Cowboys’ opening press conference for training camp even began, there was one question that was inevitable. By that point, it had been brewing for almost 20 hours.
Where do the Cowboys plan to play All-Pro offensive lineman Tyler Smith? The standout left guard raised significant questions Monday afternoon when he told reporters the Cowboys coaching staff had not said anything to him regarding what position he would be playing in camp.
With a player of his history and question marks surrounding former first-round pick Tyler Guyton, the comment carried plenty of weight. Tuesday was head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s chance to clear the air. And he did.
Schottenheimer clarifies Cowboys OT controversy
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Schottenheimer left no room for interpretation.
“(Smith) is going to start at left guard, and we’re going to get him some snaps tackle,” Schottenheimer said.
Based on Schottenheimer’s comments, Smith taking snaps at left tackle shouldn’t lead to anyone jumping to conclusions.
“Why? Just because we gotta be ready,” the Cowboys head coach explained. “That’s no different from (right guard) Tyler Booker getting some snaps at center. Because at the end of the day, we’re committed to winning.
So there you have it. Until we’re told otherwise, expect Smith to start at left guard with Tyler Guyton at left tackle.
Smith has primarily played left guard the last couple of seasons, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2024. Earlier this year, he was voted as the NFL’s top interior offensive lineman by anonymous league coaches, execs, and scouts in a poll conducted by ESPN.
In his rookie year, a late preseason injury to Tyron Smith forced him to play left tackle last minute, where he started 17 games for the Cowboys and did well (though not as well as he’s done since then at guard).
For the Cowboys, this is a matter of playing Smith where he’s best at or playing him where he’s not because tackle is a more important position. They’re leaning toward the former.