Cowboys RT Collins banned 5 games
Cowboys right tackle La’el Collins was suspended five games Friday for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. The suspension came one day after Collins played his first game since 2019 in the season opener, a 31-29 loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. Collins missed all of 2020 because of a hip issue that required surgery.
Collins won’t be eligible until Week 8 against the Vikings, after Dallas’ open week. His absence means the Cowboys will go at least 22 consecutive games without their top three linemen playing together.
Collins has started 62 of the 63 games he has played for the Cowboys since 2015 at left guard or right tackle. He missed 13 games in 2016 because of a toe injury.
Also, wide receiver Michael Gallup reportedly suffered a calf strain against the Bucs. Coach Mike McCarthy declined to discuss the nature of the injury but did confirm Gallup would miss the Week 2 game against the Chargers with a “multiweek injury.”
QB Wentz to make Colts debut sunday
Colts quarterback Carson Wentz was cleared to play Sunday against the Seahawks, despite missing three weeks with an injured left foot and five more days on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He practiced in full pads without limitations for the first time Wednesday.
Wentz has taken part in a number of individual practices but had only three full practices since training camp started July 28.
Also, running back Nyheim Hines reportedly agreed to a three-year, $18.6 million extension through 2024. The deal carries an average value of $6.2 million, making Hines one of the top 10 highest-paid running backs in the NFL — and earning the most money per year for any non-lead back.
GIANTS rb Barkley LOOKS READY TO GO
Roughly a year after tearing his right ACL, indications are Giants running back Saquon Barkley is going to play in the season opener against the Broncos on Sunday. Coach Joe Judge said the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year had a good week of practice, terming the workouts encouraging and promising. Judge said Barkley will need final approval from the team’s medical staff to play.
COVID/injury news
Jets wide receiver Jamison Crowder will miss the season opener at Carolina while he continues to recover from COVID-19.
◆ Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who returned to practice after an illness, is questionable to play against the Chiefs. Receiver Odell Beckham (knee) also is listed as questionable.
◆ Washington Football Team receiver
Curtis Samuel will miss three weeks after being put on injured reserve as he recovers from a lingering groin injury.
◆ Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (knee) and offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw (groin) were ruled out against the Bengals.
◆ The Titans once again are starting a season with kicking issues as Sam Ficken is questionable with a right groin muscle problem.
◆ The Texans ruled out QB Deshaun Watson (not injury related) against the Jaguars.