Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer opened Thursday press trying to clarify his statement about the battle at left tackle between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas.

He seemingly created more confusion or maybe it was subterfuge because he wants to keep a fire lit under Guyton.

Two days ago, Schottenheimer announced that their would be no rotation at left tackle and Guyton would remain with the starters. Guyton has had a good start to camp and Thomas needs to work on some consistency.

Schottenheimer wanted it clear that he didn’t name Guyton the starter.

“I have not said that Tyler Guyton is a starting left tackle of this football team,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s doing well. I said that Nate Thomas needs to prepare and play a little bit better and more of a consistent starter capability to earn the right to get that chance to compete, to be a starting tackle.”

So is there a competition there or not?

“There is when Nate does the things he’s supposed to do to earn those opportunities,” Schottenheimer said.

Before camp started, Schottenheimer said that left guard Tyler Smith would get some reps at left tackle.

He hasn’t so far in padded practices.

But Schottenheimer said he is when the media is not around.

“Yeah, he’s getting reps,” Schottenheimer said. “Yeah, not when you guys are watching. Unless you guys are looking from the sky. Yeah, the drone might be the best way for you guys. Yeah, he’s getting mixed into some things. Okay.”

Of course, Smith told the media two days ago that he has taken no reps at left tackle.

Stay tuned.