Help is on the way for the Dallas Cowboys offensive line that’s breaking. They are adding depth to their line and it’s a much-needed reunion for America’s team. La’el Collins returns to the star after spending the 2022 campaign with the Cincinnati Bengals, later being released early in the season where he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He’s now working his way back to the huddle on the practice while recovering back to his old self.
The former LSU standout spent the majority of his career with the Cowboys, starting 71 games playing right tackle and sometimes at left guard. This is exactly what Dallas needs after Tyler Smith suffered an injury in a win over the Detroit Lions. Collins can add insurance to the team and with his veteran status, it complements this line with his experience in time for the postseason.
Now, the Cowboys are pretty locked in as the No. 2 seed behind the San Francisco 49ers if they win against the Washington Commanders in their season finale. This will likely be the last signing that Dallas does and most can expect him to get back in the starting lineup soon.
It’s no coincidence that the #Cowboys are brining in La’el Collins for a workout the week of their season finale against the #Commanders
Just a week after a few dirty plays from Aidan Hutchinson against Dak Prescott. BRING DAK’S BODYGUARD HOME!!! pic.twitter.com/J6jt4LC5Me
— Ernie (@es3_09) January 2, 2024
Dallas Cowboys Reunite With Former Star Offensive Lineman
La’el Collins Is Ready to Get To Work
He’s back home either way despite the reports going around where oddly things haven’t been made official. On his Instagram on Tuesday, it says otherwise, Cowboys fans might want to wait and anticipate what might happen. However, Collins is ready to get back in the lineup and put in the work for the playoffs.
While Tyron Smith and Zack Martin are dealing with brutal injuries, Collins can step in to help reduce the stress of the workload. Terence Steele, although has not had the most successful season, is lacking so some veteran help can reduce his mistakes. He’s giving up most of the sacks on his side while he continues to struggle.
Collins was solid during the run before he left Dallas for the Bengals so if the Cowboys are willing to put him as a starter then so be it. He still has gas left in the tank and it’s a matter of depth that Dallas is filling. However, fans must anticipate that he’s going to work back for a starting role.
The Offensive Line Finally Gets a Boost
The Cowboys have been struggling with their offense in their running game which is affecting Tony Pollard after high expectations for him. It’s been a cesspool and the Cowboys have to resort to the passing game. Luckily, the defense has been able to sustain the mistakes that the offense makes.
That eventually will shut down since the Cowboys shouldn’t be so reliant on the passing game when milking the clock in fourth-quarter situations. It’ll put stress on Dak Prescott, especially when he wants to rest and give the ball to his running back. He won’t say it, but it’s what every quarterback in the NFL dreams about. Look at the production between Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, that’s what every QB should strive for in their offensive line.
Expectations for the Future of the Offensive Line
One more offensive lineman may likely go down with an injury since it tends to never fail as the bug lives on. Tyler Smith’s injury is unfortunately the start of what might come in the future. However, the Cowboys are in luck once they lock in on Collins working alongside his old teammates. It’ll be like a young adult reuniting with a bunch of old classmates from elementary school.
For sure, the Cowboys are going to have to stack on their offensive linemen after the season either way. They still have the chance to do well in this season if they sustain a mentality of wanting to get to the promised land.
Main Photo: Sam Greene/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK
