La'el Collins suspended five games for substance abuse violation

La'el Collins (71) Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys RT La'el Collins suspended five games for violating substance abuse policy

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 9/10/21

Dallas Cowboys right tackle La’el Collins is suspended five games after violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Collins is being suspended five games with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport sharing Cowboys right tackle violated the league’s substance-abuse policy. As part of the CBA signed in 2020, players are not suspended for testing positive for marijuana.

Cowboys’ OT La’el Collins suspended five games, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2021

Collins, who missed the 2020 season, returned to his spot at right tackle in the Cowboys’ opener on Thursday. Already without All-Pro guard Zack Martin, who tested positive for COVID-19, Dallas now loses another integral part of its offensive line.

The 6-foot-4 tackle played well in the NFL Kickoff Game, with Pro Football Focus crediting him with only three pressures allowed in 69 pass-block snaps. He received a 72.3 PPF grade, drawing high marks for his run blocking.

When Collins missed time in training camp with a stinger, backups Ty Nsekhe and Terence Steele filled in at right tackle. Nsekhe is viewed as the top option to replace Collins for the next five games.

Dallas doesn’t play its next game until Sept. 19, giving the franchise some time to figure out a plan on the offensive line. With Martin experiencing some symptoms of the coronavirus, there’s a chance the Cowboys are without two key starters against the Los Angeles Chargers.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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