La’el Collins and Sean Lee Land on Injured Reserve

The injury bug has bitten the Cowboys over the past few weeks with a season ending injury for Gerald McCoy, while La’el Collins and Sean Lee both are beginning the season on injured reserve. Collins and Lee play positions that have adequate depth, but it will be tough to replace experienced Pro Bowl caliber players. What kind of impact will Lee and Collins missing the game have when the Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday?

Collins has become a mainstay in the starting lineup for the Cowboys. Not having Collins at the starting right tackle is going to create some problems against the Rams. Any time a defense has Aaron Donald occupying a spot on the defensive line, it is going to be a problem for the opposing offensive line. Veteran lineman Cam Erving will get the start on Sunday in Los Angeles. Erving has been solid in the past. However, going against a difficult defense in the Rams on Sunday will be a good test for the reworked Dallas offensive line.

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Meanwhile, Sean Lee has seen the number of snaps decline with the ascension of Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. Lee has filled in for both Smith and Vander Esch when they were battling injuries over the past few seasons. With Lee expected to miss several games, linebackers Justin March and Joe Thomas will fill in for Lee. Thomas has been a solid contributor on special teams and will have no trouble taking on additional responsibilities.

Injuries never come at a good time but should Lee and Collins both quickly heal the early part of the season will give Dallas time to make up any lost ground. The Cowboys have talent, but an impressive season will come down to avoiding injury and executing when the game is on the line. The Rams and the Cowboys each have explosive offenses and we should see both on display Sunday night.