Cowboys right tackle La'el Collins was suspended for five games following Dallas' Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers for violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Collins was suspended after trying to bribe the league's drug-test collector, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Collins' appeal of his suspension was not only rejected, the arbitrator ruled that the suspension should remain at five games after the NFLPA worked to negotiate a reduction to what would have been a two-game suspension, per Schefter. Collins' lawyer is attempting an appeal of the arbitrator's decision.
A seven-year veteran and starter on the Cowboys' offensive line since 2015, Collins' suspension was due to missed drug tests. Collins believes that he has legitimate reasons for his missed tests; one was scheduled for the day Dallas strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul died in November. Collins missed another drug test to attend his uncle's funeral.
Collins will be eligible to return to action ahead of the Cowboys' Week 6 matchup against New England. Terence Steel, who started 14 games last season, has temporarily replaced Collins as the Cowboys' starting right tackle. The 1-1 Cowboys will begin NFC East division play Sunday at home against the 1-1 Eagles.
Pick Six Newsletter
Crafted By The Best NFL Experts
Get the day's big stories + fun stuff you love like mock drafts, picks and power rankings.
