Maliek Collins' Injury Timeline Shared by the Cleveland Browns

As the Cleveland Browns gear up for a critical stretch of their season, the team has officially released a detailed injury timeline for defensive tackle Maliek Collins—a key member of their defensive line who exited Week 14’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a knee injury. The timeline, shared via the Browns’ official website and confirmed by head coach Kevin Stefanski in a press conference, outlines key recovery milestones, expected return windows, and the medical approach to Collins’ rehabilitation. For a Browns defense that relies on Collins’ ability to clog running lanes and generate interior pressure, the timeline offers clarity on both short-term adjustments and long-term hopes for his return. Maliek Collins' Injury Timeline Shared by the Cleveland Browns breaks down the key dates, medical details, and implications of the timeline for the team’s playoff push.

The timeline begins with the injury’s occurrence: Collins suffered a Grade 1 medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in the third quarter of the Week 14 game, after being caught in a pile during a Jaguars running play. Initial medical evaluations on the sidelines confirmed the sprain, and Collins was ruled out for the remainder of the game as a precaution. The Browns’ medical staff later specified that the injury did not involve damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee structures—a major relief, as it reduced the risk of a season-ending setback. “The initial diagnosis was positive, all things considered,” said Dr. James Voos, the Browns’ team physician, in the timeline release. “A Grade 1 MCL sprain typically heals with rest, rehab, and targeted strengthening, which is what we’re focusing on with Maliek.” The timeline notes that Collins underwent an MRI on the following day (November 26) to confirm the severity, with results aligning with the on-field diagnosis. Maliek Collins' Injury Timeline Shared by the Cleveland Browns emphasizes that this early clarity was crucial for both Collins’ recovery plan and the Browns’ defensive adjustments.

The next phase of the timeline focuses on the initial rehab period (November 27–December 10), during which Collins was restricted to low-impact activities to reduce knee inflammation. According to the Browns’ release, he worked with the team’s physical therapists on pool-based cardio, quadriceps and hamstring strengthening exercises, and range-of-motion drills to maintain flexibility. The timeline specifies that Collins was not cleared for contact or weight-bearing drills during this two-week window, and he was listed as “did not practice” for the Browns’ Week 15 preparation against the Denver Broncos. A key milestone in this phase came on December 5, when Collins underwent a follow-up exam with Dr. Voos—who noted “significant reduction in swelling” and approved the start of light resistance training. “Maliek has been diligent with his rehab, which is accelerating his progress,” Stefanski said during a Week 15 press conference. “We’re taking it day by day, but the early signs are encouraging.” The timeline also includes photos of Collins working out in the Browns’ training facility, shared on the team’s social media to update fans on his progress. Maliek Collins' Injury Timeline Shared by the Cleveland Browns highlights that this transparency helped manage expectations for both the team and its supporters.

The third phase of the timeline (December 11–December 24) marks a shift to more intensive rehab—and the first mention of a potential return window for the Cleveland Browns. According to the release, Collins was cleared to begin weight-bearing exercises on December 11, including step-ups and single-leg squats, to rebuild strength in the injured knee. He also started practicing with a knee brace to provide stability, participating in non-contact individual drills during Week 16 practices. The timeline specifies that Collins was upgraded to “limited participation” for Week 16 (against the Houston Texans), meaning he could join walkthroughs and positional drills but not full-team scrimmages. A critical update came on December 18, when the Browns’ medical staff revised their return estimate to “Week 18 or potential playoff game,” depending on Collins’ progress in the final weeks of the regular season. “We’re not putting a hard date on it, but the timeline now gives us a range to work with,” said Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “Having Maliek back for the playoffs would be a huge boost, but we won’t rush him if he’s not ready.” For the Cleveland Browns, this revised timeline allowed them to plan for both scenarios—Collins’ return and his continued absence—by rotating defensive tackles like Dalvin Tomlinson and Jordan Elliott into increased roles. Maliek Collins' Injury Timeline Shared by the Cleveland Browns shows that the Cleveland Browns used this phase of the timeline to balance optimism with caution.

The final stretch of the timeline (December 25–January 7) focuses on Collins’ return to practice and potential game action—with the Cleveland Browns emphasizing “gradual integration” to avoid re-injury. According to the release, Collins was cleared for full non-contact practice on December 26, joining the Browns’ defensive line drills for the first time since his injury. The timeline notes that he continued to wear a knee brace but showed “no signs of discomfort” during drills, prompting the medical staff to approve contact work in Week 17 (against the New York Jets). Collins was listed as “questionable” for Week 17, though he ultimately did not play—with the Browns citing a “precautionary decision” to give him an extra week of recovery. The timeline’s most recent update (as of January 2) states that Collins will be re-evaluated on January 5, with a final decision on his availability for Week 18 (against the Pittsburgh Steelers) coming after that exam. “We want Maliek to be 100% when he steps back on the field,” Stefanski said. “There’s no reason to rush him this late in the season if it means risking a setback.” For the Cleveland Browns, this cautious approach reflects their priority: protecting Collins’ long-term health while still keeping their playoff hopes alive. Maliek Collins' Injury Timeline Shared by the Cleveland Browns underscores that the Cleveland Browns’ handling of the timeline balances competitive needs with player welfare.

Looking beyond the immediate timeline, the Browns’ release includes long-term notes on Collins’ recovery, emphasizing that a full return is expected by the start of the 2025 offseason program. The timeline also includes quotes from Collins himself, who expressed gratitude for the team’s support and patience. “The rehab process has been challenging, but the medical staff and my teammates have kept me motivated,” Collins said in the release. “I’m taking it one day at a time, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the field to help this team win.” For the Browns, the timeline has served dual purposes: keeping fans informed and providing the coaching staff with a clear framework for defensive rotations. As the team heads into Week 18, the timeline remains a key reference point—one that will shape their strategy for the final game of the regular season and any potential playoff matchups. Maliek Collins' Injury Timeline Shared by the Cleveland Browns concludes that the Cleveland Browns’ decision to share this detailed timeline reflects their commitment to transparency and player care—two values that have defined their approach to injuries this season. While the timeline doesn’t guarantee Collins’ return for the playoffs, it offers a roadmap for hope—both for the player and a team fighting to extend its season.