The Cleveland Browns had very little time to adjust after losing defensive end Alex Wright for the season with an Achilles injury in the week leading up to their second preseason game. Fortunately, they were getting back an important defensive lineman at around the same time.
Just days after Wright’s injury, veteran Maliek Collins passed his physical and was able to be activated off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He had been sidelined for the entire offseason and into training camp while he recovered from a season-ending quad injury he suffered last year.
Now, with just a couple of weeks to prepare, the Browns got more good news regarding Collins, as head coach Todd Monken provided a major update, declaring him “ready to go” for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
“Browns coach Todd Monken on DT Maliek Collins, who returned to practice 2 weeks ago from his season-ending quad injury: ‘He’s good to go,'” Daniel Oyefusi posted.
Browns coach Todd Monken on DT Maliek Collins, who returned to practice 2 weeks ago from his season-ending quad injury: “He’s good to go.”
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 7, 2026
After he was let go by the San Francisco 49ers, the Browns signed Collins to a two-year, $20 million contract as a free agent last offseason, and he proved to be worth the investment. In his first 12 games with Cleveland, he posted a career-high 6.5 sacks, plus seven tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits.
After finishing last season on injured reserve, the Browns were expecting Collins to be unavailable for a good portion of the preparation for this campaign. What they did not plan on was the eventual lack of depth at defensive tackle, which became a roster concern as training camp moved along.
Collins was able to ease those fears with his return, but Wright’s injury created an issue elsewhere on the line. In addition to recent signings of pass rushers Derek Barnett and Sam Williams, the Browns have been experimenting with tackle Mike Hall Jr. at end, which could have an impact on the interior rotation at times.
Entering his 11th NFL season, Collins is the most seasoned veteran on a Browns defense featuring young players Jared Verse, Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham, so Cleveland is likely to need his leadership as much as it will rely on his production.
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