La’el Collins is rejoining the Dallas Cowboys after a strong workout, stepping in due to the recent injury to starting left tackle Tyler Guyton. The Cowboys announced this move amid Guyton’s expected absence, which will last between four to six weeks. Collins, who previously played for Dallas from 2015 to 2021, is being counted on to help stabilize the offensive line during this critical period.
Collins’ Career Journey and Recovery Challenges
At 32 years old, Collins brings experience despite setbacks. After seven seasons with the Cowboys, he spent 2022 with the Cincinnati Bengals but missed much of that year due to a serious knee injury sustained in Week 16. Collins has not appeared in a regular-season game since that injury. Earlier in 2024, he briefly joined Dallas’s practice squad before a stint with the Buffalo Bills, where he failed to make the final roster last summer.
Collins’ career has seen durability interspersed with major injuries. He was an undrafted rookie who did not miss a game or start in 2017 and 2018, playing nearly every game the following year. However, he faced a torn ligament in 2016 and a neck stinger from a car accident that sidelined him for all of 2020. Although he returned in 2021, Collins requested a trade and was released despite having three years left on his contract.
This offseason, Collins has trimmed about 25 pounds and seeks to revive his career with the Cowboys, who are looking to rebound after a disappointing previous season.
Interim Plans and Coach’s Assessment
With Tyler Guyton expected to miss significant playing time, the Cowboys coach Brian Schottheimer indicated that Asim Richards and Nate Thomas will initially step in to fill the void. He described them as the players
“who’ll get the first couple cracks”
at replacing Guyton. However, Collins’s return presents a valuable addition to the offensive line depth if he can regain full health.
Significance of Collins’ Return for Dallas
The Cowboys’ decision to bring back La’el Collins highlights their urgent need to address the sudden gap caused by Guyton’s injury. Collins’s previous tenure with Dallas and versatility make him a meaningful piece in reinforcing the line. His success in overcoming past injuries and regaining form could influence the team’s offensive performance as they prepare for the weeks ahead.