Cowboys RT La'el Collins Suspended For Five Games

Dallas Cowboys right tackle La'el Collins has been suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy, according to NFL's Ian Rapoport.

Per the team's official online announcement, Collins — who started Thursday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — has been suspended for five games after failing to attend requisite drug testing on behalf the NFL.

Despite no positive test attributed to Collins, the infringement will warrant suspension according to the substance abuse standard. Collins will be out of action until after the Cowboys' Week 6 matchup against the New England Patriots, which will land on a bye week.

Kicking woes became the story of the night for Dallas' loss against the Buccaneeers, but the effectiveness of the Cowboys offensive line was on display. Mostly through Dak Prescott's production.

The starting five up front only surrendered a single sack against Prescott — which was a fourth quarter hit by Tampa Bay's Shaquil Barrett.

After missing time since his 2020 Week 5 injury, Prescott debuted in Tampa Bay — picking up where his elite streak last left off. Dak threw for 403 yards, three touchdowns and ended with a passer rating of 101.4. The team matched up to the Tom Brady-led Bucs offense, but some missed hits from Cowboys placekicker Greg Zuerlein put Dallas behind. The Bucs won, 41-38.

Missing the action was All-Pro guard Zack Martin. Martin's return has already been projected as a potential fill-in for Collins during his hiatus from the team.

La'el Collins missed all of 2020 due to a hip injury.

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Alejandro Avila lives in Southern California and previously covered news for the LA Football Network. Jeopardy expert and grumpy sports fan. Known for having watched every movie and constant craving for dessert. @alejandroaveela (on X)