Offensive Tackle La’el Collins has been suspended five games by the NFL for violating the Substance Abuse Policy. The Dallas Cowboys’ starting right tackle will miss Weeks 2-6 and, according to reports, has already attempted to appeal and failed.
Collins started last night as the Cowboys lost their season opener to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His status for the game had been in question just days earlier as he missed practices with a neck stinger, but La’el returned in time to play in Week 1.
Now he will be out until October.
My understanding is La’El Collins was suspended for missing drug tests. Essentially, failure to appear. https://t.co/L4dL8GgRp3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2021
Cowboys RT La'el Collins suspended five games, without pay, for violation of league's substance-abuse policy, source confirms to @usatodaysports. Suspension lands after an attempted appeal. An unfortunate turn for tackle who missed all of 2020 due to injury.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) September 10, 2021
This makes veteran Ty Nsekhe the likely starter at right tackle. Signed to be the swing tackle, he’s maintained that status despite being 35 years old and having younger prospects like Brandon Knight and Terence Steele competing for the job.
Guard Zack Martin was out last night due to the COVID-19 protocol but nearly returned to play the Bucs. He should be back for Week 2 and will hopefully keep the right side of the offensive line solvent in Collins’ absence.
