The Dallas Cowboys placed a former first-round pick on injured reserve ahead of their Week 17 Christmas Day matchup with the Washington Commanders.
Dallas announced on Wednesday that they've placed offensive tackle Tyler Guyton on injured reserve and signed cornerback Corey Ballentine from the practice squad to the active roster. The team also elevated linebacker Justin Barron from the practice squad.
"Prior to tomorrow’s game at Washington, the Dallas Cowboys placed OT Tyler Guyton on Reserve/Injured and signed DB Corey Ballentine from the practice squad to the active roster. The club also elevated LB Justin Barron from the practice squad," the Cowboys announced on X.
Guyton, the No.29 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by Dallas, hasn't played a snap since Week 12 due to a high-ankle sprain. With just two games remaining and the Cowboys officially out of playoff contention, the franchise decided to shut down the young offensive tackle and look ahead to 2026.
In 10 starts this season at left tackle, Guyton allowed two sacks and 31 quarterback pressures, with a 64.9 run-blocking grade from PFF. The 24-year-old took a step in the right direction after a rough rookie year in 2024, so Guyton will have something to build off of in 2026.
With Guyton out for the year, Tyler Smith will take over as the starting left tackle, making the move from left guard. Nate Thomas wasn't great filling in for Guyton from Week 13 to Week 15. Smith got the start at the position in Week 16 versus the Los Angeles Chargers, and allowed just one quarterback pressure in 38 pass-blocking snaps.
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