Photo Credit: Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, TEXAS — Cowboys’ right tackle La’el Collins will not be returning to the field anytime soon. Collins will undergo surgery on his hip next week that is expected to sideline him the remainder of the 2020 season, according to multiple reports.
He missed the first three games due to a hip injury and was eligible to return from injured reserve this week but that will not be the case.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said earlier in the week on 105.3 The Fan that the organization was hopeful that Collins could possibly play this season but did note that “ the less activity you can have sometimes in these injuries or in these health issues, the harder it is to get better…the longer you go, the less optimistic you get.”
Mike McCarthy did say on Friday that left tackle Tyron Smith (neck) is “right on course” and barring any setbacks; he will start on Sunday against the Browns. Brandon Knight started the last two games at left tackle for Smith, but with his return against Cleveland, Dallas might flip Knight to the right side in for Collins over rookie Terence Steele. Steele started the first three games at right tackle but exited the Seahawks game in the third quarter with a stomach bug that produced FLU-like symptoms.
Additional news broke on Saturday that linebacker Francis Bernard has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster for the week four matchup. The Cowboys linebacker depth dwindled after both Sean Lee (groin) and Leighton Vander Esch (collarbone) were put on injured reserve. Due to injuries, Dallas has been playing nickel with Jaylon Smith at weak side linebacker and Joe Thomas at middle. In order to stop the Browns’ stellar rushing attack featuring Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, the team will likely go back to a traditional base 4-3.
Bernard gets a shot in a Cowboys’ uniform. After an impressive training camp, many projected Bernard to make the final 53-man roster. His role will likely be on special teams, but he can also add extra help at linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. His role is unknown but whatever it is, he has been waiting for his number to be called and has repeatedly shown promising flashes when give opportunities. Bernard has the chance to step up and take full advantage with the Browns coming to town.
