The Dallas Cowboys are now dealing with injuries to five key offensive linemen. With mounting injury concerns, the Cowboys may reunite with a familiar face.
ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that the Cowboys are hosting longtime starter La’el Collins for a workout on August 1, 2025.
“The Cowboys will work out veteran OL La’el Collins on Friday, according to sources,” Archer detailed in a series of July 31, messages on X. “Collins started 71 of 74 games in three different stints with the Cowboys, including a practice squad slot at the end of ’23. He did not play last year following his release from Buffalo.
“… La’el Collins attended the retirement ceremonies of Zack Martin and Tyron Smith in the offseason and looked to be in good shape. Cowboys will get an on-field work on Friday.”
Here is what you need to know about the latest Cowboys injury news as well as the potential roster move.
La’el Collins Once Signed a $50 Million Contract But the Cowboys Released the Veteran in 2022
Collins was once on a five-year, $50 million contract with the Cowboys that was initially slated to run through the 2024 season. Dallas released Collins in 2022, and the veteran signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Collins had a brief stint on the Cowboys practice squad in January 2024. The offensive lineman also had a short stint with the Buffalo Bills before being released last August as the franchise finalized the team’s 53-man roster. Collins has not played in an NFL game since 2022.
The Cowboys Are Dealing With Injuries to 5 Offensive Linemen
The veteran had 71 starts during his initial six seasons in Dallas. Collins’ days of landing a $50 million deal are likely in the rearview mirror, but the Cowboys could add the veteran on a team-friendly deal given the rash of recent injuries. It is an alarming sign given the Cowboys training camp started a little more than one week ago.
“The Cowboys have had four OL hurt in the last week with Tyler Guyton (knee), Rob Jones (neck), Matt Waletzko (ankle) and Hakeem Adeniji (concussion), and a fifth, left guard Tyler Smith left practice early Thursday with knee soreness,” Archer explained in a July 31, post.
Dak Prescott Is Rooting for the Cowboys to Sign La’el Collins
Count Dak Prescott among those in favor of Dallas adding Collins. The Dallas quarterback was candid about his desire for Collins to crush the interview process.
“Dak Prescott said that La’el Collins — who is scheduled to work out with the Cowboys — told Dak’s kids, ‘I’m going to protect your daddy,’” The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt detailed in a July 31, message on X. “He added that he hopes Collins ‘kills’ his workout tomorrow.”
All indications are that Collins has been preparing throughout the NFL offseason for this exact situation to arise.
“Former Cowboys OL La’el Collins has spent the offseason working with the great @BigDuke50 preparing for the upcoming season if he was called upon,” Blogging The Boys’ Brandon Loree explained in a July 31, message on X. “Ahead of Friday’s workout, Collins should be ready.”
If the Cowboys’ injuries continue to mount, Dallas may need to add more than just Collins to the roster.
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