The Dallas Cowboys have found themselves in an unfortunate roster situation as the 2024 NFL regular season gets closer and closer. After eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith left to play with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in free agency, the Cowboys found themselves without a sure answer at left tackle.
To help address the position, Dallas used their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to take Tyler Guyton, who they believe will be the future of the position on their roster. However, trusting a rookie to protect Dak Prescott‘s blind side is a risky proposition.
In their opening preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, Chuma Edoga was the Cowboys’ starting left tackle. Unfortunately, he will not be returning to that spot any time soon.
Dallas Cowboys Left Tackle Chuma Edoga Suffered a “Significant” Injury to His Big Toe
Edoga was removed from the Cowboys’ preseason game against the Rams in the first quarter. He was later seen on the sidelines in a walking boot.
After further testing, it was revealed that Edoga had suffered a significant injury to his big toe. While surgery is not required, he is going to have to go through extensive rehab.
It is believed that Edoga will likely start the season on injured reserve, which means he will have to miss at least the first four games of the season.
Obviously, this is not an ideal situation for Dallas. They are entering a season that could spell the end of an era. Head coach Mike McCarthy is a lame duck after leading the Cowboys to a pitiful 1-3 postseason record since his arrival. Prescott has turned down every contract extension offer the team has made.
In short, Dallas needs to be in win-now mode, and they just lost their preferred starter at one of the most vital offensive positions.
The Dallas Cowboys Should Sign Former Green Bay Packers All-Pro David Bakhtiari
As the preseason has already started, the market for left tackles, especially ones that could step in as a quality starter, is slim. However, there is one available that already has a history with McCarthy: former Green Bay Packers star David Bakhtiari.
The three-time Pro Bowl left tackle has had injury troubles over the last three seasons. He played just one game in 2023 after playing just 11 in 2022. The 2021 season also saw him play in just one game.
The issue, of course, was the torn ACL that he suffered during a non-contact drill at practice towards the end of the 2020 season.
Bakhtiari had more work done on his knee last year and his completely healed and ready to contribute to an NFL team. Due to his recent injury history, he would not cost a great deal. He already knows McCarthy’s offense due to their pair’s days together in Green Bay.
It would be a low-cost high-reward situation for everyone involved.
