As offensive lineman La’el Collins returns from a five-game suspension, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is already complimenting Collins.
To kick off his 2021 season, Cowboys offensive tackle La’el Collins has been forced to endure an unfair punishment at the hands of the NFL.
Collins had a five-game suspension foisted upon him by the league, although Collins maintains that he did not violate the league’s substance abuse policy.
Collins even went so far as to sue the league in order to return early, but ultimately, he waited out and served his suspension. Now, Collins is ready to tackle the season that remains, and quarterback Dak Prescott is grateful to have his positive energy on the field.
Dak Prescott said Lael Collins had the best practice of his career today: He’s an enforcer on this offensive line, has always been that way so just to feel his energy. Feel like he may have had his best practice he’s had as a pro. That’s huge for him personally and for us. pic.twitter.com/dIX8OrHRak
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 28, 2021
“He’s an enforcer on this offensive line, has always been that way so just to feel his energy,” Prescott said to reporters after Thursday’s practice. “Feel like he may have had his best practice he’s had as a pro. That’s huge for him personally and for us.”
Dak Prescott is already complimenting the mindset of OT La’el Collins
On Wednesday, Collins returned to practice as Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy detailed how the former right tackle would be used going forward.
“We’re going to push him in there,” McCarthy said of Collins. “He looks good. He moved well Monday. LC has position flex.”
“We’re going to start the week with Terence at right tackle, but LC gives us some great competition in there. So we’re going to try to work him as much as possible this week.”
Currently, Collins is listed as the backup right guard behind Terence Steele, but the high praise from Prescott and McCarthy indicate that Collins will compete for that role.
When healthy and available, Collins has been the starting right tackle for the Cowboys since 2017. In 2021, he has only played one game: the season opener in Tampa Bay, which was their only loss of the season.
