FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys guard La'el Collins underwent surgery on his right big toe Tuesday and will be placed on injured reserve.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett confirmed the news Wednesday.
Collins suffered the injury in the first quarter of the Cowboys' Week 3 win against the Chicago Bears but remained in the game for the first half. An MRI after the game revealed a ligament tear in the toe, but he hoped to avoid surgery if the ligament would heal on its own. Collins' test results were sent to a number of specialists, including Dr. Robert Anderson, and surgery was deemed the best route.
Linebacker Sean Lee and defensive tackle Terrell McClain had similar surgeries in 2012 and last season and missed 10 and 14 games, respectively, before returning the next season.
Ronald Leary has replaced Collins in the starting lineup. Leary lost the job to Collins last season after starting every game he played in 2013 and 2014. He will be an unrestricted free agent when the season ends, while Collins is signed through 2017.
The Cowboys can use the roster spot created by Collins' absence for defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who is coming off a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.