FRISCO, TEXAS — There was optimism that right tackle La’el Collins would return in week four after missing three weeks on injured reserve due to a hip injury. Collins is eligible to return off the reserved/injured list this week after being sidelined for the mandatory three, but he is not on track to do so.
“ I do not anticipate any guys on IR being ready this week, “ Mike McCarthy told media. The head coach did not go into specifics but did note, “ La’el is dealing with something that’s significant.”
Left tackle Tyron Smith has missed the last two games with a neck injury and Cowboys’ chief operating officer Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan, “ Tyron is obviously day-to-day and I feel like he was close last week. Obviously hopeful we’ll get him back this week.” The staff will monitor his progression as the week continues leading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
The Cowboys have done some shuffling within the offensive line to accommodate absences. Rookie Terence Steele has been the starter at right tackle in place of Collins but was sidelined the majority of the second half against Seattle due to a stomach bug producing FLU like symptoms. As a result, Dallas shifted right guard Zack Martin to right tackle, center Joe Looney to right guard, and brought in rookie Tyler Biadasz to play at center.
