Cowboys Suffer Major Blow as Robert Jones Faces Two-to-Three Month Absence with Neck Injury

The Dallas Cowboys’ training camp has already been packed with controversy and contract tension, especially surrounding star defender Micah Parsons. But now the team has been hit with a serious on-field setback: offensive guard Robert Jones is expected to miss two to three months after suffering a broken bone in his neck during Sunday’s practice.

Robert Jones’ Impact and Injury

Robert Jones, who signed a one-year, $4.75 million deal with Dallas after a breakout 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins, was working with the Cowboys’ starting offensive line throughout the beginning of camp. Initially viewed as a depth piece, Jones had quickly carved out a key role in protecting quarterback Dak Prescott.

That role will now be vacant for a significant stretch of the season.

NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news on Monday:
“Sources: Cowboys guard Rob Jones, who has been working with the starting unit during the early part of training camp, broke a bone in his neck during Sunday’s practice and now is expected to miss 2-3 months,” Schefter posted on X (formerly Twitter).

This marks a crushing development for a team that already has plenty of pressure on it heading into 2025. Dak Prescott, entering his 10th season, is looking to rebound from a disappointing 7–10 campaign last year. Losing a key protector this early only raises the level of difficulty.

Pressure Now on Rookie Tyler Booker

With Jones sidelined, all eyes will shift to Tyler Booker, the team’s No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Alabama standout was already expected to compete for a starting role, and now it appears that opportunity will come sooner than anticipated.

Booker is highly regarded for his physicality and football IQ, but the leap from college to the pros is a steep one—especially when you’re tasked with protecting a franchise quarterback right out of the gate. Prescott’s ability to stay upright, read the field, and lead Dallas back to playoff contention could depend on how quickly Booker adapts.

A Test for Offensive Line Depth

The Cowboys’ offensive line depth will be tested from Day 1 of the season. With Jones unavailable until likely late October or early November, Dallas will have to manage with a mix of veterans and unproven players on the interior.

This situation also puts pressure on the front office. Will Jerry Jones and company look for a veteran replacement in free agency or wait to see how the current group performs through the preseason?

One thing is certain: the Cowboys can’t afford to gamble with Prescott’s health. He’s the engine of the team, and any instability on the offensive line could have ripple effects across the entire offense—including impact on the newly formed dynamic receiving duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

Looking Ahead

Injuries are part of football, but losing a key starter during camp—especially one who had just joined the team—can derail early momentum. For Dallas, it’s now about damage control. Can Tyler Booker rise to the occasion? Will the offensive line hold up under pressure?

The Cowboys are already under the microscope due to the Parsons contract situation. This injury only intensifies the spotlight and raises even more questions about whether this roster is built to handle adversity early in the season.

Bottom Line: The Cowboys’ road to redemption in 2025 just got tougher. Whether they can overcome this setback may depend on how quickly their rookie lineman can play like a seasoned pro.