Cleveland Browns DT ready to end ‘long journey’ and get back to playing

The Cleveland Browns made all kinds of headlines on Monday with the news that veteran Deshaun Watson is head coach Todd Monken’s choice to be the starting quarterback this fall.

While the Watson news consumed all the oxygen in Browns Town, he is not the only injured veteran set to make a return to the field, as the team also activated defensive tackle Maliek Collins from the physically unable to perform list. 

Collins has been out since suffering a season-ending quad injury during Cleveland’s Week 15 game against the San Francisco 49ers last November. 

Finally healthy, Collins was back on the practice field on Monday and met with the media on Tuesday to share his excitement at being back with the team:

“It felt good, man. It’s a blessing to be able to get back out there. I guess it’s been a long journey coming back, but it really ain’t been that long, man. It’s just really been an off-season and just recovering, getting my body back right to be able to go play.”

Before his injury, Collins was enjoying life playing between Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and rookie Mason Graham. Collins had posted a career-high 6.5 sacks to go along with 13 quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss. 

Maliek Collins has high expectations pic.twitter.com/337MiepYwD

But even though his numbers were good, Collins believes he still could have played better:

“It’s probably the most production I’ve had. I don’t think it’s as well as I’ve played, but it’s probably the most productive for sure. I think I’ve had better film. I think I was super productive, but I think I’ve had better film for sure.”

Like everyone else on the defense, Collins will have to adjust without Garrett taking up two and three blockers at a time. But he sees good things from defensive end Jared Verse, the man tasked with replacing Garrett on the defensive line:

“Playing next to Jared has been great. Interaction, seeing him, how he does team stuff, how he is in our room, I think it’s been great.”

The depth at defensive tackle is a bit thin behind Graham, although Mike Hall Jr. staying healthy will certainly help. As will having a veteran like Collins back in the huddle, as everyone will need to step up their play to make up for the absence of Garrett. 

Even if his return was overshadowed by the quarterback news.