For La’El Collins, the 2020 season was over before it began. The sixth-year tackle out of Oklahoma never saw the field in 2020, getting a late start to training camp (the Cowboys were concerned with his conditioning) before landing on injured reserve with a hip issue that never left. Per NFL Network’s Jane Slater, the 27-year-old will go under the knife Wednesday, effectively ending his season.
With Collins (who the Cowboys rewarded with a five-year, $50-million extension last summer) on the shelf, Dallas will turn to one of Brandon Knight or undrafted rookie Terence Steele at right tackle. Steele has manned the right tackle post of late with Knight filling in for seven-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith on Dak Prescott’s blind side. However, with Smith expected to return Sunday when Dallas hosts Cleveland, Knight could be headed back to the bench.
Considered a strength when healthy, Dallas’ injury-decimated O line was running on fumes without Smith, Collins and Cam Erving (sprained knee) last week in Seattle. The Cowboys were so shorthanded at one point that All-Pro guard Zack Martin had to hold down the fort at right tackle while Steele battled an illness.
For depth purposes, the Cowboys also have journeyman Jordan Mills at their disposal. Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated notes the Cowboys may also consider a reunion with Ronald Leary, who was in for a visit last week. Leary spent his first five seasons in Dallas before defecting to Denver as a free agent in 2017.
Collins has faced durability concerns before. He missed all but three games after tearing a toe ligament in 2016. He also battled a knee injury off and on last season, though it only cost him one game. The 6’4,” 323-pound Collins has appeared in 62 games including 61 starts since joining Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2015, beginning his career at left guard before inheriting the right tackle role from Doug Free in year three of his Cowboys tenure.
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