Guard La’el Collins Going to Injured Reserve

Jess Haynie

The Cowboys have moved starting left guard La’el Collins to injured reserve. After several medical opinions were obtained, it was determined that Collins will require surgery on a big toe injured Week 3 against the Chicago Bears.

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Veteran Ronald Leary is the “next man up.”

Ronald Leary will continue to start at left guard. Those who wanted to Dallas to keep Leary as depth rather than try to move him in a trade must feel validated now.

Collins could return later in the year. The Cowboys still have their annual one-time option to return a player from IR after eight weeks. Quarterback Kellen Moore and defensive end Charles Tapper are the only other Cowboys on IR at this time.

Moving Collins to IR creates a timely roster opening for the return of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who is coming off suspension. Dallas would have needed to release a player if they wanted to make Lawrence active for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.