Cowboys activate key player from injured reserve, lose another

The Dallas Cowboys activated one of their key players Monday from the injured reserve list, only to lose another offensive weapon in his place. Zack Martin was activated and is back to practice, while receiver Michael Gallup is placed on injured reserve for a calf injury sustained on Thursday, reported Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken.

Cowboys shake up injured reserve list

“Cowboys activating All-Pro RG Zack Martin and backup G/T Brandon Knight from Reserve/COVID-19,” reported Gehlken. “Both back in building today. To make room, DE Randy Gregory added to Reserve/COVID-19, putting his Sunday status vs. Chargers in question. WR Michael Gallup (calf) to injured reserve.”

In a batch of good news for the Cowboys this week, perennial All-Pro guard Zack Martin is back with the team following his absence after testing positive with COVID-19. Martin’s return will help improve quarterback Dak Prescott’s offensive line after an impressive return to the NFL against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Some additional depth at the offensive line returns with him with Knight, but the Cowboys have placed defensive lineman Randy Gregory after he tested positive for COVID-19.

“Randy Gregory tested positive for COVID-19, but he is asymptomatic, source said,” continued Gehlken. “Needs to produce two consecutive negative tests, 24 hours apart, while being asymptomatic in order to gain clearance. A chance. Gregory was team’s Week 1 defensive captain vs. Buccaneers.”

Gregory’s loss is added to by the loss of Gallup, who had decent first outing of the season for the Cowboys before leaving the game with a calf injury. The injury has been severe enough for the Cowboys to place him on injured reserve where he will not be available for the immediate future.

La’el Collins suspension

These losses come on the heels of losing another key offensive piece in tackle La’el Collins, who was suspended for five games after violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

“Collins has been tested roughly 10 times a month over the past 18 months, and, according to sources, has not tested positive for marijuana once between Oct. 21, 2020 and Aug. 11, 2021,” reported CBS Sports. “However, Collins has been cited seven times for ‘failure to appear’ for testing, although often with mitigating circumstances, according to sources.”

The NFL decided that these seven failures to appear constituted grounds for suspension. The Cowboys and Collins are awaiting the result of an appeal, which cites that some of his missed appointments were on days the Cowboys sent home players due to COVID-19 situations.

The Cowboys play the Chargers, Eagles, Panthers, Giants and Patriots during the five-game stretch that Collins would miss if his suspension is upheld.