The Cowboys ’ first padded practice of camp brought an early blow. Rob Jones , signed in free agency as a potential starter, suffered a broken bone in his neck on July 28. The team placed him on season-ending injured reserve less than two weeks later, ending his year before it began. This will now force rookie Tyler Booker into a larger role than expected.

A sudden loss amid an ambitious overhaul

The Cowboys brought in Rob Jones on a one-year, $3.75 million contract, with $3 million guaranteed. The plan was to bank on his four years of NFL experience and 30 starts, hoping he’d provide depth and maybe even ignite a camp competition at right guard. Jones wasn’t just depth; he was insurance. A veteran starter who’d started every game for the Dolphins in 2024 and symbolized

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