The Dallas Cowboys began their 2026 training camp in Oxnard, California with a clear focus on the offensive line, yet coaches acknowledge that both tackle positions still need improvement before the regular season.
Left tackle: Tyler Guyton’s progress
Second‑year left tackle Tyler Guyton has built on a strong offseason, earning praise from teammates and coaches for his dedication to fitness, diet and “grown‑man strength.” Cowboys offensive line coach Conor Riley said Guyton is beginning to recognize the importance of daily pressure over stress and expects continued growth if he stays healthy.
Guyton, the No. 29 overall pick from Oklahoma in the 2024 draft, has worked closely with left guard Tyler Smith, who noted the younger player’s commitment to better nutrition and recovery routines. The effort appears to be paying off, with Guyton showing flashes of the power needed to protect the quarterback against elite defensive ends.
Right tackle: Concerns over Terence Steele
Veteran right tackle Terence Steele, now in his seventh year, has faced criticism from offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Adams described Steele’s performance over the past three weeks as “up and down,” while Schottenheimer called for improvement in pad level and edge setting during joint workouts with the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints.
Steele, an undrafted free‑agent signing from Texas Tech in 2020, has started 91 games in six seasons and appeared in every regular‑season game over the last three years. Despite his durability, coaches say his technique must tighten to meet the demands of the modern NFL.
Backup options and positional shifts
Backup tackle Nate Thomas, entering his third season after transferring from Louisiana‑Lafayette, moved from left to right tackle with the second unit. The shift allows Thomas and rookie fourth‑round pick Drew Shelton to develop swing‑tackle capabilities while sending a message to Steele that competition remains fierce.
Schottenheimer emphasized the team’s mantra of “compete every day,” noting that the positional changes are designed to push all players toward higher performance levels.
Looking ahead
As the Cowboys wrap up camp, the offensive line remains a focal point for the coaching staff. While Guyton’s upward trajectory offers optimism at left tackle, Steele’s consistency at right tackle is still in question. The team will continue to evaluate depth and performance during the remaining preseason weeks, aiming to present a cohesive front line when the regular season begins.
Fans in Dallas and across Texas will be watching closely, hoping the adjustments made in Oxnard translate into a more protected quarterback and a stronger running game for the 2026 campaign.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
