Maliek Collins' Season-Ending Injury Hits Hard for the Cleveland Browns

In the high-stakes race for NFL playoff spots, few setbacks sting as deeply as a season-ending injury to a key starter—and for the Cleveland Browns, the loss of defensive tackle Maliek Collins has sent ripples of concern through the organization and fan base. During the third quarter of the Browns’ Week 14 win over the Denver Broncos, Collins suffered a torn ACL while making a tackle, a diagnosis confirmed by the team the following day. Maliek Collins' Season-Ending Injury Hits Hard for the Cleveland Browns examines how this loss disrupts the Browns’ defensive scheme, tests their depth, and threatens their playoff aspirations—highlighting just how integral Collins was to a unit that had finally found its rhythm. For a team fighting to secure a spot in the postseason, the injury isn’t just a blow to the roster; it’s a test of resilience and adaptability.

Maliek Collins' Season-Ending Injury Hits Hard for the Cleveland Browns begins with the context of Collins’ role in the Browns’ defense, which extends far beyond statistics. While the 29-year-old recorded 3 sacks, 18 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles this season, his greatest value was as a “run-stuffing anchor” who clogged interior gaps and freed up teammates to make plays. Opposing teams averaged just 3.8 yards per carry against the Browns when Collins was on the field—6 yards per carry when he was off—underscoring his impact on stopping the run. “Maliek is the glue of our defensive line,” Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said in a post-game press conference. “He doesn’t just make tackles—he takes on double teams, pushes the pocket, and lets guys like Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith get after the quarterback. You can’t replace a player like that overnight.” Collins was also a vocal leader in the locker room, mentoring younger defensive linemen like Tommy Togiai and Perrion Winfrey. His absence will be felt both on the field and in the team’s culture, a double loss that makes the injury even more devastating.

Maliek Collins' Season-Ending Injury Hits Hard for the Cleveland Browns continues with the immediate challenge of replacing Collins on the depth chart—a task that exposes the Browns’ thinness at defensive tackle. The team’s top backup, Togiai, has appeared in just 12 games this season, recording 5 tackles and no sacks, while Winfrey has struggled with consistency and disciplinary issues. To fill the gap, the Browns have signed veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris off the practice squad of the Las Vegas Raiders, a 10-year NFL veteran with 24 career sacks. Harris is a capable run defender but lacks Collins’ athleticism and ability to push the pocket, meaning Schwartz will likely have to adjust the defensive scheme to hide his limitations. “Shelby is a solid player, but he’s not Maliek,” said former NFL defensive lineman and ESPN analyst Marcus Spears. “The Browns will probably have to use more two-gap alignments, which means Garrett and Smith might have to drop into coverage more—something they’re not used to. That could limit their pass-rush production, which is a big problem for a defense that relies on pressure.” The scheme changes won’t happen overnight, and the Browns’ defense will likely struggle through a learning curve in the coming weeks—just as the team enters a critical stretch of its schedule.

Maliek Collins' Season-Ending Injury Hits Hard for the Cleveland Browns shifts to the impact on the Cleveland Browns’ playoff hopes, which were already hanging by a thread. Entering Week 14, the Browns held the seventh and final AFC playoff spot with a 7–5 record, but they face a brutal remaining schedule: matchups against the Baltimore Ravens (10–2), San Francisco 49ers (9–3), and Cincinnati Bengals (8–4). Stopping the run will be critical against these teams—especially the Ravens, who lead the NFL in rushing yards per game (152.3)—and without Collins, the Browns’ defense may not be up to the task. “This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time,” said Cleveland Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto. “The Browns need every win they can get to stay in the playoff race, and now their defense—their strongest unit—has a huge hole. If they can’t stop the run against Baltimore and San Francisco, they’ll lose those games, and their playoff chances will be gone.” The Browns’ front office is also exploring trade options before the NFL’s deadline, but finding a defensive tackle of Collins’ caliber this late in the season will be expensive and difficult. For the Cleveland Browns, the injury has turned a hopeful playoff push into a desperate fight for survival.

Maliek Collins' Season-Ending Injury Hits Hard for the Cleveland Browns delves into the reaction from the locker room and fan base, which has been a mix of disappointment and determination. Garrett, who has played alongside Collins for two seasons, took to Twitter/X to express his support: “Maliek is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played with. This hurts, but I know he’ll come back stronger. We’ve got to step up for him and keep fighting.” Fans echoed that sentiment on social media, with many sharing videos of Collins’ best plays and wishing him a speedy recovery. “Maliek was the unsung hero of our defense,” one fan tweeted. “This sucks, but we’ve got to trust the team to find a way. Let’s rally together.” The Browns’ coaching staff has also emphasized resilience in team meetings, reminding players that injuries are part of the NFL and that every member of the roster must be ready to contribute. “We can’t feel sorry for ourselves,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Maliek would want us to keep going, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’ve got a job to do, and we’re going to do it together.” For the Cleveland Browns, this unity will be crucial in overcoming the injury—turning disappointment into motivation to prove they can still compete without one of their best players.

Maliek Collins' Season-Ending Injury Hits Hard for the Cleveland Browns wraps up with the long-term implications of the injury, both for Collins’ career and the Browns’ future. At 29, Collins is in the prime of his career, and a torn ACL typically requires 9–12 months of recovery—meaning he’ll likely miss the start of the 2025 season. The Browns hold a team option on Collins’ contract for next year, and while they’re expected to pick it up, the injury raises questions about his long-term durability. For the Browns, the injury also exposes a need to invest in defensive tackle depth in the upcoming NFL Draft, as relying on unproven backups and aging veterans isn’t a sustainable strategy. “This injury is a wake-up call,” said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “The Browns have a great core on defense, but they need to add more talent and depth at defensive tackle to avoid situations like this in the future.” Despite the setback, there’s still hope for the Browns: their offense, led by Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb, has shown signs of improvement, and their defense still has enough talent to compete—if they can adjust to life without Collins. In the end, Maliek Collins' Season-Ending Injury Hits Hard for the Cleveland Browns is a story about overcoming adversity. For the Browns and their fans, the road to the playoffs just got harder—but it’s not impossible. With resilience, teamwork, and a little bit of luck, they can still turn this season into a success.