We’ve heard good reports recently on the return timetables for left tackle Tyler Guyton and cornerback Trevon Diggs. Both are expected back soon, perhaps even by Week One. But the uncertainty in that statement does pose some problems for the Cowboys as they make their roster decisions ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to cut down to 53.
For two guys who were projected 2025 starters going back to the end of last season, getting Diggs and Guyton back as soon as possible only helps the Cowboys. And if they can play in Week One, all the better. But even if they avoid starting the regular season on IR or PUP, neither player is certain to suit up for the season opener. That would force Dallas to make some of its roster decisions about who can actually make the trip to Philly and play.
If the Cowboys were to keep Diggs on PUP or place Guyton on IR to start the year, they’d have to sit out until at least Week 5. Even if they’re not going to help against the Eagles, there are three more critical games in September against the Giants, Bears, and Packers. Even if it’s just for that Week 4 game against Green Bay, you have to give these guys a chance to be part of it. And based on what we’re hearing, both should return sooner than that.
So, what could this mean for roster cuts? At offensive tackle, Guyton’s absence means you’re probably starting Nate Thomas on the left side. That’s also big for Asim Richards, who would likely be starting if not for Thomas’ emergence this summer. If Guyton were healthy, Richards might be on the chopping block. But as he and Thomas are the only two right now seemingly qualified to play left tackle, he’s likely safe until Guyton’s return.
That could also ripple down the line when it comes to other choices. If Richards has to focus more on tackle for a few weeks, does that help guard T.J. Bass make the team? If Richards were to get pulled into action, Dallas doesn’t want Brock Hoffman as the only interior line backup. That could help Bass and force a tough choice between veteran Hakeem Adeniji and rookie Ajani Cornelius, or make Dallas keep 10 offensive linemen at least until Guyton can be active.
As for Trevon Diggs and the cornerbacks, there’s a little less rigidity in terms of who has to be kept to play certain roles. DaRon Bland’s versatility to play either outside or at slot allows for more focus on how other guys perform, as opposed to simply where. If Diggs does dress for Philly, we assume that he and Kaiir Elam would play the outsides and Bland the slot in the nickel package. That would keep things simple.
If Diggs can’t go, though, then Dallas has to figure some things out. Who do you trust most between the likes of Israel Mukuamu, Andrew Booth, and Kemon Hall? At this point, it doesn’t seem that Shavon Revel is going to be back before Week 5. We’re still waiting for news on Caelen Carson and Josh Butler as well. But even if one or both of them are in the mix, you’ll still see the Cowboys go long at corner until Diggs can make a gameday roster.
Having to keep an extra cornerback or offensive lineman, or both, impacts decisions throughout the roster. It could push Dallas to send QB Will Grier to the practice squad, if that wasn’t already the plan. It may cost you a sixth WR or fourth TE, or force you to keep just four linebackers and risk losing a guy like Damone Clark or Shemar James. Roster building is often about robbing Peter to pay Paul.
In the end, having to navigate a week or two without Tyler Guyton or Trevon Diggs is a good problem to have. It beats missing them for a full quarter of the season. But for all the guys fighting for roster spots and anxiously waiting to know their fates, the health of these starters will help some and hurt others.
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