Amid an O-line crisis, the Dallas Cowboys worked out La'el Collins on Aug 1. With Martin & Smith retired, can Collins save the 2024 season? Read more.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the offensive line couldn't get any thinner, Friday brought a bombshell. With a staggering five key offensive linemen sidelined by injuries, the Dallas Cowboys are in crisis mode. The team's response? A phone call to a familiar, powerful face. Veteran guard and former Cowboy La'el Collins was in the building for a workout, signaling a potential reunion to stop the bleeding in the trenches.
With five key linemen sidelined, the Cowboys' once-dominant front has suddenly become their biggest question mark of training camp.
The alarm bells are ringing loud and clear in Oxnard. After losing legends Zack Martin and Tyron Smith to retirement, the Cowboys' offensive line depth is being tested in the most brutal way possible. With injuries piling up, the team hosted La'el Collins, a former starter who last played in 2022. Collins, who attended Martin and Smith's retirement ceremonies earlier this offseason, reportedly looks to be in great shape. A potential signing would provide a desperately needed veteran presence, but it also raises questions about his readiness after time away from the game. It's a high-stakes gamble born of necessity as the front office scrambles to patch together a functional unit.
The injury crisis has thrown the positional depth chart into a blender, forcing young players into the spotlight. Rookie Nate Thomas is being thrown into the fire, taking significant reps at left tackle, while Matt Waletzko is sliding inside to left guard. It's a trial by fire for the new-look line. Elsewhere, the running back competition is heating up, with free agent acquisitions Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders splitting first-team duties. Meanwhile, fan-favorite Deuce Vaughn and rookie Jaydon Blue are getting their chances behind backup QB Joe Milton III, showcasing the team's focus on evaluating every corner of the roster.
This early adversity ties directly into the message from the front office. At the opening of camp, Jerry Jones preached the importance of building depth and resilience, citing past seasons derailed by injuries. That philosophy is now facing its first major test. The team's investment in youth is also under the microscope, with players like fifth-round cornerback Caelen Carson being watched closely. Management expressed confidence that their offseason moves and focus on player development would help the team exceed expectations, and now it's time for that strategy to pay dividends.
The next 48 hours could define the Cowboys' offensive line for the 2025 season. All eyes are on the front office to see if a deal with La'el Collins materializes. If not, the team is placing a massive bet on unproven rookies and versatile backups to protect their quarterback. As preseason action looms, the pressure is on to find a solution, and fast. The resilience Jerry Jones spoke of is being tested before a single meaningful snap has been taken.
