Laken Tomlinson has signed with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. The veteran guard joins the team as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season opener against the New York Giants in four days. This move addresses the absence of Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith, who will start the season on injured reserve.
Tomlinson was selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He has started 162 of his 173 career games. His professional experience includes stints with the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans.
During the 2024 campaign, he started all 17 games for the Seahawks under head coach Mike Macdonald. After playing for the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens last season, he was not on an NFL roster following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign in January.
It remains uncertain if Tomlinson will be promoted to the active roster for Week 1. However, modern practice squad rules may allow the Cowboys to utilize him on game days. If he does not play, backup interior lineman T.J. Bass is expected to fill in for Smith. Reports indicate Smith's recovery period could last four to six weeks.
Tomlinson's career accolades include a second-team All-Pro selection in 2023 and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2021 while with the 49ers. His addition brings significant experience to the Cowboys' offensive line unit.
