Richardson, Texas, sits approximately 15 miles from the Dallas Cowboys' facility where the team has made a key roster adjustment ahead of their upcoming campaign.
The organization signed Laken Tomlinson to the practice squad just before the 2026 NFL season begins. This acquisition addresses the absence of Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith, who is listed on injured reserve and faces a recovery timeline of four to six weeks according to reports.
Tomlinson enters the league as a first-round selection from 2015. His professional journey includes stints with the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans. He has appeared in 173 career games, starting 162 of them.
Most recently, he started all 17 contests for the Seahawks in 2024 under head coach Mike Macdonald. Prior to that, he played for the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens during the previous season.
After not appearing on an NFL roster since January 2025, Tomlinson now provides experienced depth. His career accolades include a second-team All-Pro honor in 2023 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the 49ers. The Cowboys will utilize him during their preparation for the season opener against the New York Giants in four days.