Dallas Cowboys Considering Reunion with Former Lineman La’el Collins

As the Dallas Cowboys continue to prepare for their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on August 9, injury concerns and depth issues have raised questions about the team’s offensive line. In light of these concerns, the Cowboys are reportedly considering a reunion with former lineman La’el Collins, who could potentially be brought back on the team for a third stint. Collins, once a key figure on the Cowboys’ offensive line, is scheduled for a workout this week in Oxnard, California, where the team is currently holding training camp.

Collins’ History with the Cowboys

La’el Collins’ journey with the Cowboys began in 2015 when he signed with the team after going undrafted. Despite being a highly regarded prospect out of LSU, Collins’ draft stock plummeted due to off-field concerns. However, the Cowboys took a chance on him, offering a three-year contract. Collins wasted no time proving his worth and quickly became an integral part of the team.

In his rookie year, Collins played in 12 games, starting all but one, and immediately showed his potential. His performance solidified his role as a fixture on the Cowboys’ offensive line. Over the next few seasons, Collins became known for his reliability and durability, appearing in at least 15 games each year. He established himself as a key player, helping protect quarterback Dak Prescott and improving the offensive line’s overall performance.

However, Collins’ career in Dallas wasn’t without its challenges. In 2021, he faced several setbacks. He was limited to just 12 games, and during that season, he served a five-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He also had to fight for his starting spot after his suspension, but by the end of the season, he had started in 10 of the 12 games he played.

After the 2021 season, Collins left the Cowboys and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, marking the end of his first tenure with Dallas.

Collins’ Time in Cincinnati and Setbacks

During his time with the Bengals, Collins played a pivotal role in the offensive line. He started 15 games in the 2022 NFL season, providing stability to the Bengals’ line. However, late in the season, Collins suffered a serious injury, tearing both his ACL and MCL. This injury significantly affected his ability to play during the remainder of the season and into 2023.

Collins started the 2023 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and was eventually released by the Bengals as the team moved on from the veteran offensive lineman. Despite these setbacks, the Cowboys took a chance on Collins, bringing him back on a practice squad contract. However, he was not retained for the 2024 season.

In the meantime, Collins had another shot with the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 offseason, but he was unable to make the final roster, as he missed the final roster cuts in August.

The Possibility of a Third Stint with the Cowboys

Now, as the Cowboys face injury concerns along the offensive line early in training camp, the team is giving Collins another opportunity. He will undergo a workout with the team, and there’s a chance he could be added to the active roster if he proves he still has what it takes to contribute to the Cowboys’ offensive line.

Dallas is dealing with several injuries in the trenches, which has led to questions about the depth of their offensive line. Adding Collins back to the team could provide some much-needed veteran experience and depth. The Cowboys have struggled with consistency along the offensive line in recent seasons, and while the team has made some improvements, the addition of a familiar face like Collins could bring stability, especially given the Cowboys’ injury concerns during training camp.

Collins’ Role Moving Forward

If Collins does return to the Cowboys, his role on the team would likely be as a depth player, providing insurance and experience in case of further injuries along the line. While he may not be the same dominant force he once was, his familiarity with the Cowboys’ system and the leadership he brings could prove invaluable for a team that’s looking to make a playoff push.

The potential reunion also highlights the Cowboys’ willingness to give experienced players a second chance. While Collins has faced his share of challenges, including injuries and suspensions, his track record with Dallas and his performance in the early years of his career make him a viable option to help the team in 2024.

However, there is no guarantee that the Cowboys will officially bring Collins back. The workout is merely a test to see if Collins still has the ability to compete at a high level. If he impresses during the workout, the Cowboys could sign him to a more permanent contract, though the team will need to weigh the potential risks of adding an injury-prone player to their already thin offensive line.

The Cowboys’ Path Forward

With the first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams just days away, the Cowboys are focused on finalizing their roster and solidifying their starting lineup. The addition of Collins could be a strategic move, but the team will likely continue to monitor other options as well. Injuries are part of the game, and the Cowboys will need to be proactive in strengthening their offensive line to protect Dak Prescott and ensure the offense can operate at full capacity.

In the meantime, Collins’ workout this week is a reminder that the Cowboys are not afraid to revisit familiar faces if it means improving the team’s chances for success. Whether or not he is added to the roster remains to be seen, but the potential reunion offers a glimmer of hope for a team looking to bolster its offensive line depth heading into the 2024 season.