Collins’ lawyers continue to appeal on his behalf, arguing that his violation of the policy allows for a fine but not a suspension.
FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys starter right tackle, La’el Collins, was suspended five games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, The league announced Friday.
Collins ’exact offense is unclear, but several sources said no evidence failed. Instead of politics, five games are listed as a possible penalty.
Collins’ lawyers continue to appeal on his behalf, arguing that his violation of the policy allows for a fine but not a suspension, a source told Ed Werder of ESPN.
Collins will be eligible to return to the roster on Oct. 18, a day after the Cowboys face the New England Patriots.
The Cowboys weren’t taken by surprise by the NFL’s decision, but coach Mike McCarthy noted during his press conference on Friday that, “at the moment it’s a little awkward, but it’s a bit of what I can’t talk about. at this moment” .
The suspension will cost Collins approximately $ 2 million and, under the collective bargaining agreement, cancels the current injury warranty worth $ 6,480,000 on his 2022 salary.
Collins has started 62 of the 63 games he has played with the Cowboys since 2015 as a left guard or right tackle. He missed 13 games in 2016 due to a toe injury and all last season due to hip surgery. His appearance in Thursday’s first game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was questioned the previous week due to a problem that left him out of two practices.
Without Collins, the Cowboys could look for a replacement in several ways: Veteran Ty Nsekhe and Terence Steele, who started 14 games last year, served as supportive offensive tackles against the Buccaneers. If the Cowboys look for a tackle-by-tackle exchange, either of them could replace Collins.
“We have a lot of experience for the past year in the people’s movement, but we would like to keep moving forward with the guys who have been working as the right tackle,” McCarthy said. “Obviously [Collins], Ty and Terence have done the rehearsals there … We have our eyes wide open. You have to be because things happen. We want to have as many combinations as possible. “
The Cowboys could also switch right-back six-time Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin to tackle and keep Connor McGovern as right-back. Martin started two games as a right tackle last year before a calf injury ended his season. Martin remains on the reserve list / COVID-19, but is expected to return in time for the Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Last week, McCarthy was asked about improvising Martin as a tackle this season.
“I hope we don’t have to go down that path ever again,” he said. “He talks a lot about Zack Martin about how to jump and he gave us the quality of play he could give us.”
Collins ‘absence will not be the only one for the Cowboys’ offense.
Open receiver Michael Gallup left the 31-29 loss to the Buccaneers early with a calf strain that, according to a source, could leave him out for three to five weeks. He got four receptions for 36 yards before injuring himself in the second half.
Cedrick Wilson moved as receiver No. 3 alongside Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb after Gallup fell.