FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Cowboys’ starting right tackle La’el Collins has been suspended without pay for the next five games for violating the NFL Policy on Substances of Abuse on Friday, according to multiple reports.
He will be unavailable until mid-October, following the team’s Week 6 game at New England. His loss will be a major blow to the right side of the line. Against the Buccaneers, Collins had his first start after missing the entirety of the 2020 season due to a hip injury that required surgery. The offensive line did a tremendous job up front against Tampa Bay’s pass rush and the Cowboys’ offense put up an impressive 451 yards.
Collins had been limited the previous couple of weeks with a neck stinger. In his absence, Ty Nsekhe and Terence Steele were the primary backups throughout camp at right tackle. Six-time pro bowl right guard Zack Martin started two games at right tackle last season due to a myriad of injuries to the line. He excelled at tackle, but head coach Mike McCarthy has stressed the team hopes to not have to make that shuffle again. However, this may be the time to consider and explore all options. Connor McGovern put up a solid performance against the Bucs’ interior defensive lineman and knocking Martin out to tackle may be the best choice.
