The Cowboys auditioned Collins and Wilson.
Concerned about their depth on the defensive line and linebacker group heading into the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys auditioned two familiar faces on Tuesday: tackle/guard La’el Collins and linebacker Damien Wilson, according to multiple sources.
La’el Collins started 71 of 74 games played for the Cowboys from 2015 to 2021 at left guard and right tackle before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022. Damien Wilson was a fourth-round pick in 2015 and started 22 games before play with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was a Super Bowl champion, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Carolina Panthers.
The Cowboys have concerns along their offensive line, as left guard Tyler Smith suffered a torn plantar fascia in his left foot during last week’s win against the Detroit Lions, although head coach Mike McCarthy noted that there were concerns. the possibility that he could play in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders.
Left tackle Tyron Smith has been dealing with a back issue and backup tackle Chuma Edoga appeared on last week’s injury report with a toe issue.
At linebacker, the Cowboys lost Leighton Vander Esch to a neck injury in October, and have employed Damone Clark and Markquese Bell, a converted safety, as their top two linebackers. Last week, they released Rashaan Evans to make room for offensive tackle Matt Waletzko after Evans was arrested on a marijuana possession charge.
La’el Collins and Damien Wilson raise questions that need answers.
La’el Collins suffered a torn ACL, ACL, and ACL in his left knee toward the end of last season with the Bengals. Cincinnati cut him in September, although he has tried out for teams all year.
In 2022, Damien Wilson was arrested in Frisco, Texas, charged with assault of a family member. The NFL suspended him for four weeks under the personal conduct policy, but he would be eligible to play.