As is well known, the bye week for the Cowboys is over and the team has begun to make its moves in the face of the tough game against the Vikings at US Bank Stadium. However, there is good news for the offensive line. Since offensive right tackle La’el Collins is back after a five-game suspension from the NFL.
This gives the lone star team a clear advantage, who already have one of their strongholds once again in a position that was a nightmare last season. Now there is another environment, where the players are at a high level, with positive results and support that is showing their face when needed.
Therefore, you might believe that Collins has his job back immediately due to the hierarchy he has in the locker room. After all, the organization had to release fullback Nick Ralson to make room for him on the roster. In the latter’s case, Dallas got him back for the practice squad, in a logical move for La’el to be at 53.
However, one of the details to take into account regarding Collins is whether he has what it takes to play the Vikings this Sunday night. That was something Stephen Jones commented earlier in the week. Since you have to take into consideration that Terence Steele during these last five games did a very good job. Perhaps with some specific errors, but nothing similar to what was seen last year. Where he had to replace Collins throughout the 2020 season and was one of the most critical points in the past season.
#Cowboys‘ Stephen Jones tells @dfwticket La’el Collins getting his job back is something Mike McCarthy, OL coach Joe Philbin, and OC Kellen Moore will address over the bye week.
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) October 21, 2021
“We are very confident that he is going to fully get back to where he was,” Stephen Jones said Monday. “I think the most important question is if you need a little more time after your absence. And that’s certainly what offensive line coach Joe Philbin, head coach McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will be discussing this week. It’s just seeing how he is doing while we go out to practice, evaluating his physical conditions and how he is in terms of being ready to play. “
As mentioned, offensive line coach Joe Philbin will be evaluating Collins’ performance in practice throughout the week. Knowing the coach in question, with his vast experience in the league, he does not have a specific rule to return the position to Collins without first testing if he is suitable for it. That is to say, La’el does not have the title secured by the simple fact of making an appearance.
“Not necessarily,” coach Philbin commented on whether Collins would start immediately. “In every situation, American football is unique. I think things are simply done looking for the best interest of the team ”.
Either way, the suspension of the offensive tackle had to do with violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Therefore, he did not have the opportunity to train with the team in these weeks either. Although on a positive note, it has been in the facilities of the organization. So getting back to the rhythm of the game should not be a problem in the course of these days.
“He’s been here,” Philbin continued. “I have not been with him working on the playing field obviously. So it’s going to be important when we both get to practice and see where he is. But all the reports are positive, it feels good. I have seen him in meetings and I have communicated with him. Like I said, I look forward to getting back to the practice field with Collins. “
This is not to say that Steele won the battle for the job over Collins and that they will sit him for the rest of the season. They will only evaluate him in practice if he is ready to go out against Minnesota. If the results are not as expected, it is likely that La’el could be the starter in Week 9 against the Broncos. Everything will depend on the player and the abilities he has to overcome the fact that he was out for a few weeks.
Cowboys RG Zack Martin on RT La’el Collins’ return from suspension: “It will be big. We’re excited to have him back. I know he’s champing at the bit to get out there and run around with everyone. We’ll see what happens moving forward, but I know he’s excited to be back.”
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 25, 2021
“It will be great, we are excited to have him back,” said right guard Zack Martin. “I know he wants to go out and practice with everyone. So we’ll see what happens later, but I know he’s excited to be back. “
If Collins becomes the starter or not in the game against Minnesota, it should be noted that at least there is depth in the position and that on the right side there are two quality tackles like La’el and Terence. We’ll see what happens, but the important thing is that the pieces are coming back and the Cowboys will look to maintain their positive streak in Week 8 against the Vikings.
