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BREAKING: Cowboys make SURPRISE move for former $50 million starter as troubling news rocks the NFL world!

Posted on August 1, 2025 - 2:06 am by

The Dallas Cowboys are reeling from a wave of injuries to their offensive line, and in a surprising turn of events, the team is turning to a familiar face to address the crisis. ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that the Cowboys are hosting veteran offensive lineman La’el Collins for a workout on August 1, 2025, as the team scrambles to reinforce a unit plagued by injuries just over a week into training camp.

A Familiar Face Returns

La’el Collins, a former standout for the Cowboys, is no stranger to the franchise. Having started 71 of 74 games across three stints with Dallas, including a brief practice squad role at the end of the 2023 season, Collins brings a wealth of experience. The 32-year-old offensive lineman, who once signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the Cowboys, was released by the team in 2022. Since then, Collins has faced challenges, including a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, where he suffered a season-ending ACL and MCL injury, and a short-lived tenure with the Buffalo Bills, who released him before the 2024 season.

Despite not playing in an NFL game since 2022, Collins has been preparing diligently for a potential return. According to Blogging The Boys’ Brandon Loree, Collins has been training with renowned coach Duke Manyweather throughout the offseason, ensuring he’s in peak condition for opportunities like this. Archer noted that Collins attended the retirement ceremonies of Cowboys legends Zack Martin and Tyron Smith earlier this year and appeared to be in excellent shape, setting the stage for his potential comeback.

A Crippling Injury Crisis

The Cowboys’ decision to work out Collins comes as the team grapples with a mounting injury crisis on the offensive line. Five key linemen have been sidelined in recent days, a troubling development for a team known for its dominant trench play. According to Archer, the injuries include:

  • Tyler Guyton: The second-year left tackle suffered a bone fracture and sprain in his right knee during practice on Monday. While initial fears of a torn ACL were alleviated, Guyton is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, making his availability for Week 1 uncertain.

  • Rob Jones: The guard suffered a broken bone in his neck, sidelining him for 2-3 months.

  • Matt Waletzko: The offensive tackle is dealing with an ankle injury.

  • Hakeem Adeniji: The lineman sustained a concussion, further depleting the team’s depth.

  • Tyler Smith: The All-Pro left guard left Thursday’s practice early with knee tendinitis, raising concerns about his availability.

This rash of injuries has left the Cowboys’ offensive line in disarray, threatening their ability to protect quarterback Dak Prescott and maintain their potent rushing attack. With training camp barely underway, the situation is an alarming setback for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Dak Prescott Backs Collins’ Return

Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ franchise quarterback, is among those rooting for Collins to seize this opportunity. The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt reported that Prescott had a heartfelt reunion with Collins at the team hotel, where the veteran lineman promised Prescott’s children, “I’m going to protect your daddy.” Prescott expressed his enthusiasm, stating he hopes Collins “kills” his workout on Friday. The quarterback’s support underscores the strong bond he shares with Collins, forged during their years together in Dallas.

 

While Collins’ days of commanding a $50 million contract may be behind him, his experience and familiarity with the Cowboys’ system make him an attractive option for a team in desperate need of depth. A successful workout could lead to a team-friendly deal, providing much-needed stability to the offensive line. However, with the extent of the injuries, the Cowboys may need to explore additional roster moves to shore up the unit before their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams on August 9.

The potential return of La’el Collins represents a proactive step to address a crisis that has sent shockwaves through the NFL. As the Cowboys navigate this challenging period, all eyes will be on Collins’ workout and whether the veteran can reclaim his place in Dallas’ storied franchise.