Maliek Collins' Quad Recovery Timeline Uncertain for the Cleveland Browns

For the Cleveland Browns, defensive tackle Maliek Collins has been a quiet but critical force on their defensive line since joining the team in 2023. His ability to clog running lanes, pressure quarterbacks from the interior, and free up teammates like Myles Garrett has made him a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense. So when Collins suffered a Grade 2 quadriceps strain during a Week 3 practice ahead of the 2025 season, it sent a ripple of concern through the organization. Initially, the team hoped for a 4-6 week recovery—a timeline that would have him back by Week 7 or 8. But as weeks have passed, setbacks in his rehabilitation and conflicting updates from the medical staff have left both the Browns and their fans in limbo. Maliek Collins' Quad Recovery Timeline Uncertain for the Cleveland Browns explores the details of Collins’ injury, the challenges in his recovery, and the ripple effects this uncertainty is having on the Browns’ defense and playoff aspirations.

Maliek Collins' Quad Recovery Timeline Uncertain for the Cleveland Browns begins with the circumstances of the injury and its initial diagnosis. The strain occurred during a routine pass-rushing drill, when Collins planted his left leg to change direction and felt a sharp pain in his quadriceps. Team trainers immediately pulled him from practice, and an MRI later confirmed a Grade 2 strain—damage to the muscle fibers that is more severe than a mild pull but less serious than a complete tear. At the time, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski described the injury as “manageable” and noted that Collins would begin a structured rehabilitation program focused on rest, physical therapy, and gradual reintroduction to football activities. “Maliek is a tough player, and we have full confidence in our medical staff to get him back healthy,” Stefanski said in a post-practice press conference. But early optimism faded when Collins experienced discomfort during a light jog in Week 5, forcing the team to pause his on-field work. This setback raised questions about whether the initial timeline was realistic—and whether the injury might be more severe than first thought.

Maliek Collins' Quad Recovery Timeline Uncertain for the Cleveland Browns delves into the challenges of recovering from a quadriceps strain, especially for a player in Collins’ role. Quad injuries are particularly tricky for defensive linemen, who rely on explosive bursts of speed and power to push past offensive linemen. A Grade 2 strain requires careful rehabilitation to avoid re-injury, as rushing the process can lead to a more severe tear that could sideline a player for months. Collins’ rehabilitation has included strength training for the surrounding muscles (hamstrings, glutes) to reduce pressure on the quad, as well as flexibility exercises to restore range of motion. But according to sources close to the team, Collins has struggled with regaining full strength in the affected leg—especially during movements that mimic game action, like pushing off or changing direction. “It’s not just about being able to run or lift weights,” said a Browns physical therapist, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s about being able to do those things with the same power and control he had before the injury. For a player like Maliek, who uses his lower body to generate force, that takes time.” This slow progress has led the team to avoid setting a new timeline, with Stefanski now saying only that Collins will return “when he’s fully healthy.”

Maliek Collins' Quad Recovery Timeline Uncertain for the Cleveland Browns examines how the uncertainty around Collins’ return is impacting the Cleveland Browns’ defensive line rotation. In Collins’ absence, the Browns have turned to backup defensive tackles Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai to fill his role. While both players have shown flashes of potential—Elliott recorded a sack in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers—they lack Collins’ consistency and ability to draw double teams. As a result, the Browns’ run defense has slipped from 10th in the NFL in 2024 to 18th in 2025, allowing an average of 118 yards per game. Opposing offenses have also targeted the interior of the Browns’ line in passing situations, forcing Garrett and fellow defensive end Alex Wright to compensate by shifting inside—something that has reduced their effectiveness as edge rushers. “We’re missing Maliek’s presence in the middle,” said Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone else better, because he demands attention from the offense. Without him, we’re having to adjust our scheme in ways that leave us vulnerable in other areas.” For the Cleveland Browns, this defensive slide is a major concern, especially as they prepare to face tough rushing offenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the coming weeks.

Maliek Collins' Quad Recovery Timeline Uncertain for the Cleveland Browns explores the Cleveland Browns’ options for addressing the defensive line depth if Collins’ recovery takes longer than expected. The team could look to the free agent market, where veteran defensive tackles like Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph remain unsigned. However, signing a free agent would require the Browns to adjust their salary cap—something that could be challenging given their current financial situation. Another option is to promote a player from the practice squad, like rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., who has impressed coaches in practice but lacks NFL game experience. “We’re keeping all our options open,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “Our priority is to make sure we have the depth we need to compete, whether that means bringing in someone new or leaning on the players we already have.” The Cleveland Browns could also adjust their defensive scheme, using more 3-4 alignments to reduce the need for a traditional nose tackle and instead relying on linebackers to help stop the run. But this would require a significant shift in strategy—something that could take time for the defense to adapt to, especially in the middle of a season.

Maliek Collins' Quad Recovery Timeline Uncertain for the Cleveland Browns wraps up with the implications of this uncertainty for both Collins and the Cleveland Browns’ playoff hopes. For Collins, a prolonged recovery could impact his future with the team: he is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and a strong finish to the year would have boosted his market value. A slow return—or a re-injury—could hurt his chances of landing a long-term contract, either with the Browns or another team. For the Browns, the stakes are even higher: after a disappointing 2024 season, they entered 2025 with hopes of competing for the AFC North title. But a struggling defense, combined with ongoing questions at quarterback, could derail those hopes if Collins doesn’t return soon. “We need Maliek back—there’s no way around it,” said Garrett, who has spoken publicly about missing his teammate’s presence on the line. “But we also need to make sure he’s healthy when he comes back. Rushing him won’t help anyone in the long run.” As the Browns prepare for the second half of the season, all eyes will be on Collins’ rehabilitation. Until he steps back on the field, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery will remain a cloud hanging over the Cleveland Browns’ defense—and their chances of turning their season around.