A few weeks ago, it was assumed that once La’el Collins returned from his league-mandated five-game suspension, he would retake his role as starting right tackle. The NFL is often a cruel business, and Collins’ blunder gave Terence Steele an opportunity. Steele has performed above expectations in his five starts.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said that the plan going forward would take advantage of Collins’ flexibility. He worked at left guard and right tackle during practice Wednesday. Officially, Collins is listed as the backup to both positions.
As reported by the Dallas Express, Collins was suspended after the Week One loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for violating the NFL substance abuse program. It was initially reported that Collins had missed numerous tests that are required under contract, but later it was revealed that the player had attempted to bribe test-takers in addition to failing to appear.
Collins appealed the suspension, which was likely to be reduced, only to have the ruling upheld.
In preseason, Collins suffered a neck stinger that held him to limited time on the field. He missed the entire 2020 season after suffering a hip injury that required surgery. At this point, Collins probably is not a serious trade decision given the excess depth in other positions.
Anthony Brown has been a starter with Dallas since 2016, but lots of depth and the imminent return of Kelvin Joseph from IR could place the cornerback in trade rumors, at least according to Patrik Walker writing for CBS Sports. Joseph may be active against the Vikings on Sunday, Oct. 31.
Wide receiver Michael Gallup has been cleared to return after suffering a calf injury in week one. Gallup adds another level of depth to the already potent receiving core. He is one of two receivers to have recorded 1,000+ yard seasons.
Cedric Wilson Jr. and Noah Brown have gotten playing time while Gallup has been on the sideline, and both made the case for their right to play the position. With depth and the need to make a roster move to get Gallup back on the roster might lead to a deal for one of the backups.
Francis Bernard has been cleared to return from IR due to an injury suffered in the preseason. The linebacker played well prior to being hurt. The Cowboys will have five linebackers on the roster, and a case could be made that draft picks might be available in exchange for members of the Cowboys linebacker core.
Trystan Hill will also be returning to the defensive line. Hill started the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list while rehabbing an ACL tear suffered in Week Five last season. His return could provide a spark of life to the Dallas-run defense that currently ranks 29th according to PFF. Veterans Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins have started this season in place of Hill.
Rumors and speculation swirl online right now concerning what moves Jerry Jones & Co. will make ahead of the trade deadline. The team is 5-1 with a comfortable lead in the NFC East and does not have any major issues in need of a star player. Instead, the Cowboys may be able to pick up valuable draft picks for some of the depth on their roster while getting players back from IR down the stretch.
