The Cleveland Browns haven't been one of the best teams in the NFL this season, and after a week 13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, they sit at 3-9.
But, despite the poor record and play, there's been reason to tune in every week. Myles Garrett and the Browns' defense have been impressive, and now Shedeur Sanders is starting. It might not be the best team in the NFL, but it's a fun watch every week.
However, Browns defensive lineman Maliek Collins was carted off with an injury in Week 13, and there was concern about his future this season. And unfortunately, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Browns got the worst possible news on Collins.
Browns dealt brutal injury news to veteran Maliek Collins
"Browns impressive DT Maliek Collins suffered a significant, season-ending quad injury on Sunday, coach Kevin Stefanski said," Rapoport reports.
This is a brutal injury for the Browns and Collins. The veteran defensive tackle was in the middle of a career year, and now will miss the remainder of the season with a quad injury.
Collins, in 12 games, had 6.5 sacks, 25 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits. His sack total was a new career high, and he was likely approaching individual history in tackles, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits.
But now, one of the key Browns' interior defensive linemen is going to miss the remainder of the season. This isn't just a profound impact for Collins; it hurts the Browns' defensive line.
Rookie Mason Graham was partially protected by Collins, but now will be handling more responsibilities along the defensive line. Myles Garrett will also have fewer pass rushers around him, making his ability to generate pressure more of a question.
Collins is 30 years old and on his fifth NFL team. After ten years in the NFL, this season with the Browns has been his best since being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016.
It's a brutal injury update for Collins, who was a key defender for the Browns this season. Graham, Shelby Harris, Sam Kamara, and Michael Hall Jr. Will take on the interior defensive lineman work, with Collins done for the season.
More Browns News:
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- Browns' Shedeur Sanders getting blasted by fans for goofy 4th-and-26 decision
- Browns' Shelby Harris has wild NSFW comment about 49ers WR Juauan Jennings
- Kevin Stefanski makes Browns starting QB announcement after Shedeur Sanders' 2nd start
- Browns' Shedeur Sanders had perfect response to ridiculous question
- Myles Garrett criticized 49ers' WR Jauan Jennings' antics