The Dallas Cowboys have strengthened their offensive line by adding former Pro Bowl selection Laken Tomlinson to the practice squad. This move follows the announcement that starting guard Tyler Smith will miss at least the first month of the season due to a thumb injury. To address the immediate need, the team promoted guard Nick Leverett from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster.
Leverett, an undrafted free agent out of Rice University in 2020, will serve as the backup to new starter TJ Bass. His professional history includes three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he started 10 games across 16 appearances, before splitting time between New England and Arizona in 2024.
He joined the Cowboys organization last season while offensive coordinator Clayton Adams was still with the Arizona Cardinals.
Tomlinson, 34, brings significant experience to the franchise. Selected in the first round of the 2015 draft, he has started 162 career games and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. Most recently, he started seven games for the Houston Texans last year.
The Cowboys also recently finalized the acquisition of future Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller in August, though details regarding his current status or specific contributions were not provided in this report.
Amidst these roster adjustments, ESPN released its annual poll of NFL executives and scouts regarding award candidates. The survey identified Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer as a contender for Coach of the Year, a notable shift from previous years when his candidacy might have been dismissed.
This recognition follows a 7-10 season record and suggests polled experts view Dallas as a strong contender to win the NFC East. An NFC scout cited in the report highlighted quarterback Dak Prescott’s potential for a big year and an improved defense, noting that staying healthy gives the team a good chance at division supremacy.
