Blogging The Boys
An injury at RT tests Cowboys OT depth early in camp.
Injuries along the offensive line are inevitable, and the Dallas Cowboys were hit with their first one on Thursday. Starting right tackle Terence Steele was originally reported to have a high ankle sprain, but was later clarified as a low ankle sprain, according to Clarence Hill of All City DLLS.
High ankle sprains are one of the more tricky injuries in the NFL, but low ankle sprains are much easier to control and get back on the field with. Even listed as day-to-day, this early in camp, do not be surprised if the Cowboys elect to take things slow with their starting right tackle to ensure he is at full strength for the start of the season. The blessing in disguise in all of this is it will give the team time to see what they have in a few of their young players along the offensive line.
Asim Richards is heading into year three and has shown to be a capable NFL offensive lineman in limited opportunities. Injuries for the fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft have limited him early in his career, but the Cowboys seem to be excited about his potential to be a high-end backup, with the ability to develop into a capable starter.
Another interesting name to keep an eye on is Hakeem Adeniji. Adeniji has been away from the game since 2023, but started 15 games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020-2022 before signing with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2023 season. Injuries have also been a factor for Adeniji, who has struggled to stay healthy in his four-year career so far, but after stepping away from the game in 2024, Adeniji should be fully healthy and looking to compete for a backup role on an offensive line with a lot of bodies.
Recently, coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned second-year player Nate Thomas as someone who was doing well at the tackle spot. After missing all of last year with a knee issue, he is trying to carve out a role on this offensive line.
When discussing the topic on social media, fans were very interested in seeing 2025 sixth-round pick Ajani Cornelius. Cornelius started all 14 games at right tackle for the Oregon Ducks in 2024, but was announced as a guard when the Cowboys selected him in the sixth round of this year’s draft.
While Steele is absent, look for these guys to get work at tackle and we’ll see who grabs the opportunity. A minor injury this early is not necessarily a bad thing, as the coaching staff will get a long look at a few of their intriguing depth offensive lineman before the regular season is here.
