OXNARD, Calif. — As the Dallas Cowboys continue their training camp in Southern California, the offensive line picture is becoming clearer, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirming starting roles amid positional questions. Starting left guard Tyler Smith had initially expressed uncertainty about his position for the 2026 season, but Schottenheimer swiftly dispelled any notion of movement, confirming that Smith will remain at guard while the starting left tackle spot belongs to Tyler Guyton.

The competition for left tackle, featuring Guyton and Nate Thomas, appeared to intensify during camp’s early practices. However, after four sessions, Schottenheimer declared Guyton the starter, citing more consistent play from the 2024 first-round pick. “We talked to Nate and said he needs to show us a little bit more of consistent play to push for that,” Schottenheimer said ahead of Tuesday’s practice. “Tyler is playing really, really well.”

Guyton, who has faced injury challenges since entering the league—most notably an ankle injury that ended his 2025 season after 10 starts—has now started 21 games across two years. The coach praised Guyton’s technique, highlighting his compact sets, control, leverage use, and effective punches, noting these strengths have been visible since offseason workouts. Guyton was limited in Tuesday’s practice with a sore elbow, allowing Thomas the majority of first-team reps in team drills.

Smith, a highly regarded guard in the league, has not taken any snaps at tackle this camp. He acknowledged the possibility of positional changes but emphasized confidence in Guyton’s ability at left tackle, citing their offseason work together. “I feel like what he’s put forward is going to pay dividends, and people are going to truly see who he is,” Smith said. Given the strength of NFC East defensive tackles, the Cowboys see Smith’s role on the line as vital.

In injury news, the team suffered a significant setback when backup tight end Princeton Fant tore his ACL and partially tore his MCL during Monday’s first full padded practice. The undrafted player, who has spent much of his career on the practice squad and appeared in 11 NFL games, is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks. Schottenheimer expressed disappointment but remains optimistic about Fant’s recovery given his history with injuries.

Additional injury concerns include safety Alijah Clark, who left practice with a right ankle issue; middle linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and Guyton, both held out of team drills due to soreness or minor injury; and defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard, who did not practice due to a hamstring concern. Safety P.J. Locke returned after missing several days with a knee injury. Starting safety Jalen Thompson and cornerback Zion Childress have missed multiple days of practice due to hip and hamstring issues respectively.

On the field, Tuesday’s practice featured fewer touchdown passes compared with Monday’s session but highlighted strong individual performances. Reserve running back Israel Abanikanda recorded a long touchdown run, while Javonte Williams made a notable 20-plus yard run on a cutback. Defensively, linebacker Marist Liufau recovered a fumble, Justin Barron broke up a pass, and Donovan Ezeiruaku drew a holding penalty but was also ejected from practice after throwing a punch. Schottenheimer reinforced that such conduct would result in ejection during games as well.

With positions solidifying and injuries impacting the roster, the Cowboys continue to prepare for the 2026 season amid a competitive and physically demanding camp environment.