Mike McCarthy reveals rookies Tyler Guyton, Cooper Beebe to step up as Chuma Edoga confirmed 'out'

On Tuesday, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed a severe toe injury that was reported on Monday for Chuma Edoga following the lineman’s MRI. The skipper also revealed what the team’s plans are now with the veteran tackle sidelined for “definitely a while.”

Rookie first-round pick Tyler Guyton will be stepping into the starter role rather officially with Edoga out. Though it was always the plan for the Sooners alum to take the starting job at left tackle, with Edoga out, there’s now little competition for the gig.

“We just want to keep moving forward with him,” McCarthy said of Guyton. “Thought he had good snaps in the game but obviously a young player, just needs as many reps as possible.”

The Cowboys drafted Guyton with the No. 29 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 draft. They traded down out of the No. 26 pick, picking up an extra third-round selection, so that they could snag both Guyton and another offensive lineman – Cooper Beebe.

McCarthy also revealed on Tuesday that like Guyton, Beebe will be taking first-team reps this week.

“He’s earned this opportunity,” McCarthy said of Beebe.

The former Kansas State star played 42 snaps at center after Brock Hoffman got the start on Sunday against the Rams. He also played 13 at left guard for a total of 55 snaps.

At Kansas State, Beebe started all 13 games at left tackle in 2021 before moving to left guard in 2022. After the move, he earned All-American second-team honors and the Big 12’s Offensive Lineman of the Year award. Though he’s a proven guard, the key to his success this year will be getting as many live reps in as possible at center before Week 1.

Chuma Edoga suffers severe toe injury in first preseason game

After suffering a severe toe injury on Sunday against the Rams, second-year Cowboys tackle Chuma Edoga is expected to begin the 2024 regular season on Injured Reserve, according to Dallas Morning News‘ David Moore. Edoga exited the preseason game, which the team lost 13-12, after the apparent foot injury. Reporters then spotted him in a boot after the matchup and shared that he would undergo an MRI on Monday.

His toe injury is severe, according to the team, and could require 4-6 weeks of recovery time. If the former USC standout goes on IR to start the season, he can return after Week 4.

Sidelining the majority of their starters on offense on Sunday, the Cowboys started Edoga at left tackle, Asim Richards at left guard, Brock Hoffman at center, TJ Bass at right guard and Matt Waletzko at right tackle.

The Cowboys re-signed Edoga on a one-year deal this offseason for added depth, even though they drafted a left tackle in the first round. Though the hope was always that Guyton would start in his first season, the former Chiefs contributor was a sort of safety net for Dallas in case the rookie wasn’t ready or in case of injury. He is also a capable guard, which means it’s also a loss of depth for that group as well.