Tyler Guyton Enters Crucial Third Season With Renewed Confidence

Tyler Guyton understands the importance of the opportunity ahead of him.

After two inconsistent and injury-plagued seasons, the Dallas Cowboys’ left tackle enters 2026 healthy, more experienced and increasingly confident in his ability to protect Dak Prescott’s blind side.

Guyton will also face an added challenge early in the season. All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith is expected to miss four to six weeks following thumb surgery, leaving T.J. Bass to start beside Guyton.

Guyton praises Tyler Smith’s influence

Smith’s absence removes an elite player and important mentor from the offensive line.

“[He is] truly incredible,” former first-round pick Tyler Guyton said of the two-time All-Pro. “I think he’s a special player. He really is.
And the things that he does, I have never seen other people do.

“He’s really one of those once in a generational players, and playing next to him for going on three years now, it’s a blessing. I have learned a lot from him and I couldn’t say enough good things about him.”

Smith will miss at least four gams after being placed on injured reserve. Without him, Guyton must help bring stability to the left side of an offensive line preparing to face a very talented New York Giants defensive front in Week 1.

Bass has experience playing beside Guyton and center Cooper Beebe, but the Cowboys cannot completely replace Smith’s combination of power, athleticism and consistency.

Healthy offseason creates new optimism

Guyton’s availability represents one of the most encouraging developments for Dallas.

The former first round-pick struggled to stay on the field during his first two NFL seasons. This year, however, he completed an entire training camp and enters the regular season without any significant health concerns.

“Honestly, I’m blessed. I feel good,” he said. “I’m supported by so many good people, and I have so much love around me that I just can’t be more thankful to go into the season with health and to finally complete a training camp.”

Guyton made major changes to his diet and training program last year. Instead of completely rebuilding his routine again, he focused on smaller adjustments designed to improve his durability and physicality.

“I made smaller tweaks, trying to be more tough, and things like that,” he explained. “But, honestly, it was just a good diet, working out harder, trying to do prehab instead of rehab, and just trying to check all my boxes before I get out there on the field.”

Repetition has strengthened Guyton’s confidence

Guyton entered the NFL as a talented but inexperienced tackle who was transitioning to the left side. Injuries made that adjustment more difficult, but consistent practice reps have helped him become more comfortable.

“Yeah, I agree, but that takes time, though,” he said. “I had to get the reps under my belt and, you know, I had to go through some losses to win. It’s a process. You’ve got to take every day for what it is but, over time, the confidence is built through repetition and practice.”

The Giants will provide Guyton with an immediate test. Their defensive front should reveal how much progress he made throughout the offseason.

With Smith unavailable, the Cowboys need Guyton’s growth to translate into dependable regular-season performance. If he stays healthy and protect Prescott consistently, Dallas may finally have its long-term answer at left tackle.