The Cleveland Browns are sorely in need of some good news, especially considering what has transpired over the past couple of days. Fortunately, they got some with the pending return of an important veteran defensive player.
Maliek Collins has been sidelined since Week 13 of last season, when he suffered a serious quad injury. Because of that, the 31-year-old opened training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Now, according to Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland, there is some major news, as Collins has been deemed able to return to practice.
“Browns DT Maliek Collins passed his physical and is eligible to return to practice,” Justice posted.
#Browns DT Maliek Collins passed his physical and is eligible to return to practice.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 24, 2026
Collins’ presence will be a welcome and necessary addition after the Browns learned that defensive end Alex Wright has been lost for the season with a torn Achilles. Wright suffered the injury on Thursday in a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills.
On any other day, Collins’ return would be the headline from Browns camp. But the team is also reportedly going to announce that Deshaun Watson will be its starting quarterback, which will obviously shift all of the attention away from Collins.
The 10-year veteran joined the Browns last offseason, signing a two-year, $20 million contract as a free agent. He was very effective as an interior pass rusher, posting a career-high 6.5 sacks to go along with 13 quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss in just 12 games played.
In addition to Collins’ return, defensive lineman Mike Hall Jr. was able to play in the Browns’ second preseason game against the Bills on Saturday. He missed multiple practices during training camp due to an injury.
The Browns also signed defensive end Derek Barnett to a one-year contract after learning the extent of Wright’s injury. Cleveland had been in search of a veteran situational pass rusher even before losing Wright, so it may not be done adding to the position.
Collins will try to pick up where he left off last season, but it could take some time for him to get back into form, leaving his participation for Week 1 potentially in doubt.
NEXT: Breaking: Deshaun Watson Named Browns' Starting QB
