OXNARD, California – The Dallas Cowboys have turned to a familiar face to reinforce their offensive line, which has suffered several injuries at the start of training camp.
The team has signed veteran lineman La’el Collins, following a tryout on Friday, according to sources close to the team.
Collins, who played with the Cowboys in multiple stages between 2015 and 2021, played 71 of 74 games. Although he was on the practice squad at the end of the 2023 season, he was not promoted to the active roster.
The 32-year-old player last played in the NFL in 2022 with the Cincinnati Bengals, who released him in early 2023. Previously, he was released by the Buffalo Bills at the end of training camp.
In the last week, the Cowboys have lost four offensive linemen to injury. Starting left tackle, Tyler Guyton, suffered a bone fracture and will be out for four to six weeks, putting his participation in the opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4th in doubt. Guard Rob Jones suffered a neck fracture and will be out for two to three months.
On Thursday, Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith left practice as a precaution due to knee discomfort. Tackles Hakeem Adeniji (concussion) and Matt Waletzko (ankle) have also missed practices, and right tackle Terence Steele has been dealing with an ankle injury but returned to practice this week.
Collins seemed to be in excellent shape when he attended the retirement ceremonies of his former teammates Zack Martin and Tyron Smith during the offseason.
