On paper, the Los Angeles Rams’ unproven edge rushers were going to be tested right out of the gate in Week 1 with Tyron Smith and La’el Collins bookending the Cowboys’ offensive line. However, they’ll get a small break in the season opener with Collins landing on injured reserve Monday.
The Cowboys announced the move less than a week before Sunday’s game, which is a huge loss for their offense. Collins is one of the best right tackles in the game today and a key part of the O-line’s success.
He’s been dealing with a hip injury and was limited in camp, which was made even worse by the absence of OTAs and minicamp. Collins will most likely be replaced by Cam Erving in the starting lineup, a significant downgrade for Dallas.
Leonard Floyd should be the primary rusher off the left side of the defense, meaning he’ll benefit most from Collins being out. It’ll be Samson Ebukam on the other side against Tyron Smith, but look for the Rams to rotate their pass rushers on both sides depending on matchups.
In addition to Collins, Dallas has also placed Sean Lee on injured reserve, though he doesn’t contribute as much as the other two starters, Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch.