Cowboys Suffer Major Blow: Key Starter Ruled Out for Thanksgiving Clash vs. Chiefs
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are heading into their highly anticipated Thanksgiving matchup without one of their most important offensive pieces — as the team has confirmed that a key starter is now expected to miss the showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a significant ankle injury.
Team sources have identified the injured player as left tackle Tyler Guyton, a crucial blindside protector for Dak Prescott. Guyton suffered a high-ankle sprain in the second half of the Cowboys’ 24–21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, going down after a heavy collision while trying to seal the edge. He limped off the field and never returned. Post-game evaluations revealed the injury was more severe than initially hoped — and with the holiday game coming up fast, there simply isn’t enough time for recovery.
Major Hole in the Offensive Line
Losing Guyton at left tackle is a major blow. His role in anchoring the blindside is essential for giving Prescott clean pockets, especially on deeper drops or long-developing plays.
In his absence, the Cowboys are expected to roll with Nate Thomas, who stepped in after Guyton exited the Eagles game. Thomas previously filled in during Week 5 when Guyton missed time with a concussion — and while he played well in the win over the Jets, facing the Chiefs’ relentless pressure packages is an entirely different challenge.
Adjustments Dallas May Be Forced to Make
Without their starting left tackle, the Cowboys may have to reshape their offensive approach on short notice:
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Increased use of tight ends chipping or setting the edge.
More quick-game concepts to get the ball out of Prescott’s hands faster.
Heavier reliance on play-action to manipulate defenders and buy extra time.
Additional support from running backs and tight ends in blitz pickup.
A possible shift toward a more run-focused approach to stabilize the offense.
Backup Plan — but Still Big Concerns
While swing lineman Hakeem Adeniji is expected to be available again after missing last week’s game due to illness, even a healthy bench doesn’t fully solve the problem. Replacing a high-level left tackle — especially just days before one of the biggest games of the season — is never simple.
Pressure Mounts for Thanksgiving
This isn’t just a routine injury. It’s a strategic setback that changes how the Cowboys must operate offensively. With Prescott now losing his most trusted blindside protector, the workload increases dramatically for the rest of the offensive line, the tight end group, and the running backs.
Thanksgiving may now turn into a true test of resilience, creativity, and adaptability for Dallas — all while facing one of the NFL’s toughest defenses without a key piece up front.
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