Report: Dallas Cowboys signing OT La’el Collins to practice squad

The Dallas Cowboys (11-5) have signed offensive tackle La’el Collins to their practice squad after hosting him for a workout Tuesday, per Todd Archer of ESPN.

Collins, the former undrafted free agent out of LSU, played six seasons with Dallas before joining the Cincinnati Bengals (8-8). He signed a three-year deal with the Bengals ahead of the 2022 season, making 15 starts along Cincinnati’s offensive line before suffering a torn MCL and ACL in Week 16. He also dealt with a back injury during his time in Cincinnati. The Bengals released him from their Physically Unable to Perform list in September. Collins made 71 starts for the Cowboys from 2015-2021, serving as a dependable option at right tackle.

“You can imagine that’s probably the most sought-after asset anywhere this time of the year in the NFL, to find a productive offensive lineman,” Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday. “They’re rare in availability.”

Cowboys turn to La’el Collins for OL help

Dallas could use additional depth on the offensive line following injuries to Tyron Smith and Tyler Smith in recent weeks. The left guard tore the plantar fascia in his foot this past Sunday in the 20-19 Week 17 victory over Detroit Lions (11-5) and his status is currently up in the air. The left tackle aggravated his back and missed the 22-20 Week 16 defeat to the Miami Dolphins (11-5) but played again versus the Lions.

The Cowboys travel to D.C. in Week 18 for a matchup against the Commanders (4-12). The Sunday afternoon game has NFC East title implications. If the Cowboys win, they’ll take the title from the Philadelphia Eagles (11-5). If Dallas loses and Philadelphia beats the New York Giants (5-11), then the Eagles keep the title to become the first back-to-back winners of the NFC East in nearly two decades.