The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line might not be at full strength for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, offensive tackle La’el Collins is still dealing with a neck injury.
Collins missed practice in mid-August with a shoulder injury. He returned to action before missing a few more practice sessions because of a stinger issue.
At first, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said this injury wasn’t going to be a long-term concern for Collins. Fast forward to the present day, and it seems like the team is unsure when Collins will be ready to compete.
“LC is dealing with a neck issue right now,” McCarthy told reporters on Friday. “We’re in a holding pattern. He will not practice today.”
Mike McCarthy said Cowboys RT La’el Collins (neck) won’t practice today. “We’re in a holding pattern.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 3, 2021
Since the Cowboys are unsure about Collins’ status for Week 1, the coaching staff is going to let Ty Nsekhe and Terence Steele receive his reps at practice.
“We’ll work with both Ty and Terrance. We’ll be ready to go with both those guys,” McCarthy said, via ProFootballTalk. “Ty, obviously with where he is in his career, I’ve thought he’s done a good job with us throughout camp. I think he’s going to get — I don’t know about better — but more and more comfortable with what we’re asking him to do. He’s a very solid camp.”
Steele started in 14 games for Dallas last season. He certainly knows what McCarthy and the rest of the staff want from their offensive tackles.
Not having Collins for Week 1 would really sting, but at least the Cowboys should have a fully healthy Tyron Smith on the field next Thursday.
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