Brian Schottenheimer announces Dallas Cowboys development that raises serious concerns ahead of 2026 NFL season
The Dallas Cowboys offense faces a serious question ahead of the 2026 regular season. And head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed it is even leading to an open position battle in the starting lineup.
Everyone expects the Dallas Cowboys offense to continue dominating opponents in 2026. But make no mistake about it. There are questions that have yet to be answered. And they could define whether or not the unit is successful enough to make the team a contender.
And the thing is, not even the coaching staff knows the answers to all of them. In fact, there’s one that is becoming a legitiame concern following a recent announcement from Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Cowboys holding a competition for left tackle spot
On Thursday, Schottenheimer revealed the Cowboys are holding a competition at left tackle between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas.
“What I will say with Tyler is, Tyler understands the importance of this year,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “Why? Because it’s the next year, and we’re going to make Tyler earn it. Tyler and Nate Thomas right now are competing to start at left tackle.”
The update isn’t necessarily a major shock. Schottenheimer openly said earlier in the year that Guyton needed to take a step going into his third year in the league. Additionally, Guyton missed nine games in his first two seasons in the NFL, raising questions about his durability.
Schottenheimer did clarify he likes what he’s seen from Guyton so far. But there has to be consistency.
“Tyler’s biggest thing is the consistency has not been there,” Schottenheimer added. “Very talented, maybe one of the most athletic big men I’ve ever been around with his ability to kick, slide, punch, move, and run. But there’s got to be more consistency, and that’s been the challenge that he’s been working extremely, extremely hard on.”
Why this is a concern for Cowboys
Let’s be honest here. What Guyton has shown this offseason matters very little. At least for now. For a position like left tackle, all that matters is what things look like once the pads come on in training camp.
The fact that the coaching staff is already considering another option at left tackle (and that’s what holding a battle means) is a sign they’re still not sold on Guyton.
And the reality is you don’t want a former first-round pick tackle to be battling a player who was picked in the seventh round of the same class, regardless of how good the latter has looked.
One of the biggest concerns on the Cowboys is pass protection from the tackles. This update doesn’t make anyone feel better.
The glass-half full look
Though it’s a serious concern, I will say it isn’t the end of the world for the Cowboys offense. After all, tackles’ pass pro was already a weakness on last year’s attack. But quarterback Dak Prescott, offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, and Schottenheimer kept it from derailing the team.
Prescott got rid of the football efficiently, the Cowboys called many max protect looks to throw downfield, and a strong run game kept defenses honest.
It’s not ideal, but the Cowboys passing game can survive subpar protection at left tackle. Not to mention, there’s still hope for Guyton to take a leap forward. He may have to in order to keep his starting job.