Mike McCarthy outlines Cowboys' plan for starting left guard

The Dallas Cowboys offensive line faced few changes this offseason and yet a big question remains over the starting lineup. Connor McGovern, who started 15 games at left guard in 2022, left in free agency for the Buffalo Bills, and at this point, there’s no clear answer for his replacement.

Not that Dallas has a shortage of options. Not only did they pick up free agent Chuma Edoga, but they also drafted Asim Richards out of UNC in the fifth round, both of whom are options at left guard.

The Cowboys also return Matt Farniok and Matt Waletzko. Farniok and Waletzko can swing from guard to tackle and the former can also play center in case of an injury to Tyler Biadasz.

The injuries will pop up throughout the season, so even when the Cowboys settle on the starting five, Mike McCarthy is fully expecting the need for versatility among the starters and backups.

“I like the versatility that we have,” McCarthy said on Thursday at OTAs. “We all want to lineup and play five guys for 20 games, but you do have to recognize that 17 games, it’s a bit of a stretch. Position flex is critical. You guys know all the combinations, you’ll see us working those.”

Cowboys missing Terence Steele, Zack Martin in OTAs

On Thursday, the Cowboys first rotation had Tyron Smith at right tackle with Josh Ball at right guard, Biadasz at center, Farniok at left guard and Tyler Smith at left tackle. Veteran All-Pro right guard Zack Martin did not participate, neither did Terence Steele who is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered at the end of the season.

McCarthy shared the latest on Steele as well on Thursday.

“Tony (Pollard) is doing the walkthroughs, Terence isn’t quite ready for some of that,’ McCarthy said. “We still have the ramp-up too. All the rehab guys have been here full-time doing things. Everybody’s working in some capacity.”

The Cowboys have several more linemen ready to get their opportunity like Brock Hoffman, Alec Lindstrom, Earl Bostick and T.J. Bass. Bostick, out of Kansas, was the best-paid undrafted rookie signing, which means Dallas could have big plans for him in the future.

The Dallas offensive line weathered numerous injuries in 2022, including a few surprises during the postseason. They still managed to rank in the top 15 in the league, according to PFF, even when frequently relying on backups.