The San Francisco 49ers face the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, and there is at least one break going the 49ers way. The Cowboys announced on Monday that left guard La’el Collins will be placed on injured reserve with a toe injury. He is expected back in 8-10 weeks, but this means he will miss Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
Collins will be replaced by Ronald Leary. According to Rotoworld, Collins graded out No. 73 among 75 qualifying guards. The second year guard started 11 games last year, and had started the first three this season.
The Cowboys offensive line is a strength, and shaking it up with a new player could be problematic. Of course, the 49ers faced an awful Seahawks offensive line in Week 3, and it really didn’t matter. The 49ers defensive front struggled early against the run, and then the play-calling was questionable when things had settled down. Given the Cowboys OL strength, I would hope Jim O’Neil would be willing to dial up a few more blitzes, and get more creative in bringing pressure and stopping the run. If they don’t, this injury will not matter at all.