Cowboys Ex La'el Collins Returning for Workout Friday Amid Offensive Line Injuries

The Dallas Cowboys and veteran offensive lineman La'el Collins have a long history, and another chapter could be forming as the journeyman has been invited to workout at training camp on Friday.

Collins spent six seasons with the Cowboys across multiple stints that include regular appearances in the starting lineup and trips down to the practice squad. He last played in Dallas in 2022, starting 10 games at right tackle, before playing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. Collins did not see action last season and was released by the Buffalo Bills.

The injury bug is running rampant in the Cowboys' offensive line room at camp as Tyler Guyton (knee), Rob Jones (neck), Matt Waletzko (ankle), Hakeem Adiniji (concussion) and Tyler Smith (knee soreness) have all missed time with various injuries.

Collins was a staple on the Cowboys' line when he was on the regular roster, starting 71 of the 74 games he appeared in from 2015-2021.

He has stayed close with the organization and his former teammates, as he was recently in attendance for linemen Zack Martin and Tyron Smith's retirement ceremonies in Frisco this spring. He's a close personal friend with quarterback Dak Prescott off the field, as the two would regularly fish together.

The former undrafted LSU Tiger predominately plays right tackle, but amid Guyton and Waletzko's injuries, multiple bodies have had to rotate to either side. Dallas could potentially bring in an experienced player in Collins who is familiar with Dak and able to set the edge of the line.

Collins had a suspension for substance abuse that forced him to miss five games in Dallas shortly before his time with the team came to an end. Jerry Jones has been prone to have a giving spirit related to second chances, and a familiar face could be welcomed to the team in Oxnard if Collins' workout goes well.

A stop-gap signing will also contribute to Brian Schottenheimer's competition-driven camp environment where any job is up for grabs, especially along this injury-riddled offensive line.