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NFL Network reported that Collins was suspended for missing drug
tests.
Collins, 28, started at right tackle in Thursday night's
season-opening 31-29 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Collins is appealing the suspension, and his agent issued a
strongly worded statement criticizing the NFL's decision.
"We are extremely disappointed in how the NFL has handled this
entire matter from trampling on Mr. Collins' rights to
prematurely releasing the information knowing a timely appeal
was filed to intentionally (mislead) the court at the hearing,"
agent Peter Schaffer said in a statement. "The extent and effort
the NFL went to accomplish its ends is appalling."
Pro Football Talk reported that an arbitrator has already ruled
against Collins, but that he is pursuing an additional appeal.
Unless he wins that appeal, Collins won't be allowed to return
to the active roster until Oct. 18, the day after the Cowboys'
Week 6 game at New England. The Cowboys have a bye in Week 7, so
he will not be eligible to play again until the Week 8 contest
at Minnesota on Oct. 31.
Ty Nsekhe and Terence Steele are the primary backups at left and
right tackle, respectively.
Collins signed a five-year, $50 million contract extension in
September 2019. Undrafted out of LSU in 2015, he has started 62
of his 63 games with the Cowboys. He missed all of last season
with a hip injury that required surgery.
Dallas was without six-time Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin
against the Buccaneers due to a positive COVID-19 test.
--Field Level Media
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