Key Browns Defender Ruled Out For Saints Game

The Cleveland Browns know that they are facing a major change to their offensive lineup with Shedeur Sanders taking over at quarterback for Deshaun Watson against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Now, they will be missing a key player on defense as well.

Defensive tackle Maliek Collins has been ruled out with an elbow injury and an illness. It is the latest blow to a defensive line that has dealt with injuries throughout the season.

Insider Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram and Medina Gazette provided the news.

“Browns, Saints injury report: Collins, M. Out,” Petrak posted.

Browns, Saints injury report pic.twitter.com/QMY6jiJHYX

— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) November 6, 2026

Collins injured his elbow in the second quarter of Cleveland’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. He was able to return in the second half and finished the 27-6 loss, but he did not practice this week.

The 31-year-old veteran has 3.5 sacks in eight games, with 21 combined tackles. He also has seven tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits.

His presence helped the Browns overcome the two-game absence of defensive tackle Mason Graham with a leg injury. The second-year pro was having a breakout season with 4.0 sacks in the first three games, but he does not have any in the two games since his return.

Mike Hall Jr. is likely to start in Collins’ place. He had a season-high four tackles against the Steelers, which was his first game after returning from an ankle injury suffered in Week 4.

Kalia Davis was ruled out for the season last week after the Browns did not activate him at the expiration of his 21-day practice window coming off injured reserve. The offseason free agent signee did not play a game for the Browns due to a quadriceps injury.

Sam Kamara is being added to the active roster from the practice squad. He has been productive with 10 combined tackles and 1.0 sack in three games played.

Any team that has playoff hopes will have their depth tested at some point, and the Browns must again show they can overcome a loss on the interior of their defensive line.