Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line Takes Another Tough Blow
By Erik Lambert
The Dallas Cowboys are relying on their offensive line more than ever to make sure they keep winning. So injuries are not something they can afford.
Left tackle Tyrone Smith is already nursing an ailment that knocked him out of week three. That’s bad enough. It probably wasn’t the greatest bit of news when the Cowboys learned his mate on the left side of the line, guard La’el Collins came out of that contest with a torn ligament in his foot. The announcement itself was a surprise, but the diagnosis that came the day after their 31-17 victory over Chicago sobered the celebration.
#Cowboys OL La'El Collins believed to tear ligament in his foot, source said. Out 6-10 weeks. 2nd opinion will determine if he needs surgery
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 26, 2016
There is no arguing the fact that the Cowboys offensive line is the primary reason the team is 2-1. They’re the ones opening gaping holes for Ezekiel Elliott on the ground and the ones keeping Dak Prescott on his feet. Elliott had 140 yards on Sunday night and Prescott was not sacked. Suffice to say any injury loss is going to impact how this fine-tuned machine they’ve built performs.
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The silver lining to this otherwise depressing situation for Dallas is that veteran Ronald Leary is ready to step back into the starting role. The same one he occupied two years ago when the Cowboys last made the playoffs. He’s a 27-year old veteran who knows the offense and can do his job well. Provided Smith returns healthy things should remain largely the same.
However, the unit can absolutely not afford another injury. Talented a group as they are, they have limits in terms of depth. If the offensive line can’t perform at their peak, then the tightrope this team is walking with two rookies starting in the backfield threatens to snap. Collins is hopeful he can still return in time for the playoffs, assuming the team is in position to make it.
Philadelphia is undefeated at 3-0 and New York is 2-1 with one of their victories already coming at the Cowboys’ expense. Every able body is needed to help keep pace moving forward.