Laken Tomlinson, a former starting guard for the Seattle Seahawks, has signed with the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad just before the start of the 2026 NFL season. This move comes as Tomlinson was on the verge of not being on an NFL roster for the first time in over ten years.
Tomlinson, who was selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, has had a notable career, starting 162 of the 173 games he has played for teams including the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Seahawks, and Houston Texans. He started all 17 games for the Seahawks in the 2024 season under head coach Mike Macdonald.
The Cowboys are bringing in Tomlinson to help fill the gap left by Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith, who will begin the season on injured reserve. Smith, a second-team All-Pro in 2023, is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, which may lead to backup interior lineman T.J. Bass starting in his place unless Tomlinson is promoted from the practice squad.
Although it is not yet clear if Tomlinson will be ready to play in Week 1 against the New York Giants, the Cowboys could utilize him on game days due to modern practice squad rules. Tomlinson's experience may prove valuable as the Cowboys navigate the early part of the season without Smith.
