The Dallas Cowboys indicated Nate Thomas, Asim Richards, and others would get a shot at competing for the left tackle spot while starter Tyler Guyton deals with a bone fracture suffered earlier in training camp.
There might be some new competition arriving soon: The Cowboys are working out a familiar face in La'el Collins.
Collins started 71 games for the Cowboys between 2015 and 2021 and most recently spent time with the team in 2023 when he was temporarily on the practice squad. Collins was with the Buffalo Bills during the 2024 preseason, but his career has taken a challenging turn following back and knee injuries, including a torn ACL and MCL at the end of the 2022 season.
Dak Prescott was visibly excited at the prospect of reuniting with Collins, with whom he shared the field starting in his rookie season in 2016 up to 2021.
"I saw (Collins) back there, it was a very joyous reunion, LC is a guy that I love [. . .] He's a friend well beyond the field," Prescott told reporters when asked about Collins' expected workout. "Hopefully, he kills this workout."
According to the Cowboys quarterback, Collins already told Dak's kids he will be protecting their dad. He also praised the offensive tackle's current health and trajectory, noting he's comfortable with having Collins on the offensive line.
Collins' signing is looking very likely due to injuries
As long as Collins looks healthy on Friday's workout, a signing is very likely to happen. The veteran has tackle and guard experience, and the Cowboys need the depth after piling up injuries on the offensive line during camp. So far, injuries include Tyler Guyton (knee), Rob Jones (neck), Matt Waletzko (ankle), and Hakeem Adeniji (concussion). Tyler Smith exited practice with a sore knee early on Thursday, but told fans and media he was fine walking off the field.
As for starting in place of Guyton, that's another story. There are younger linemen the Cowboys seem to be high on, so if his workout becomes a signing, Collins will have to fight to climb the depth chart.
