The Dallas Cowboys have added former Seattle Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson to their practice squad just before the start of the 2026 NFL season. This move comes as the Cowboys look to fill the gap left by Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith, who will begin the season on injured reserve.
Tomlinson, a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has had a notable career, starting 162 of the 173 games he has played across various teams, including the Lions, 49ers, Jets, Seahawks, and Texans. He started all 17 games for the Seahawks in the 2024 season.
In the previous season, Tomlinson played for both the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, but he has not been on an NFL roster since the end of the Ravens' 2025 campaign in January. His signing provides the Cowboys with veteran experience as they navigate Smith's absence, which could extend for 4-6 weeks according to reports.
The Cowboys may utilize modern practice squad rules, allowing them to promote Tomlinson for game days, offering him the opportunity to play even if he is not on the active roster. However, it remains unclear if the team will consider this option for their Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants, which is just days away.
