Maliek Collins' Injury Forces Roster Shuffle for the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns’ defensive line has hit a major roadblock ahead of a critical stretch of the season: starting defensive tackle Maliek Collins has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks with a knee sprain, an injury suffered during the team’s Week 8 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The news, confirmed by Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Monday, has forced the team to scramble and adjust its roster, as Collins has been a cornerstone of the defensive front since signing a three-year contract with the team in 2022. His absence leaves a significant gap in run defense and interior pass rush, two areas where the Browns have relied on his strength and experience. Maliek Collins' Injury Forces Roster Shuffle for the Cleveland Browns explores the details of the injury, how the team is restructuring its defensive line, and the challenges of replacing a player who has been a consistent presence in the lineup. For a Browns team fighting for a playoff spot, the roster shuffle isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s a test of depth and adaptability.

Maliek Collins' Injury Forces Roster Shuffle for the Cleveland Browns begins with the circumstances of the injury, which occurred in the third quarter of the Browns’ 27-14 win over the Cardinals. Collins was rushing Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray when he planted his left knee awkwardly while trying to avoid a block. He immediately grabbed his knee and limped off the field, unable to return to the game. Initial X-rays were negative, but an MRI on Sunday revealed a Grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL)—an injury that typically requires several weeks of rest and rehabilitation. “Maliek is a tough player, and he tried to fight through it, but we knew it was serious when he couldn’t put weight on his leg,” Stefanski said during his press conference. Collins, who has started all eight games this season, has recorded 2 sacks, 15 tackles, and 4 quarterback hits, and has been a key contributor to the Browns’ run defense, which ranks 10th in the NFL, allowing just 105.6 rushing yards per game. His absence will be felt most in short-yardage situations, where he has been one of the team’s best run stoppers.

A key part of the Browns’ roster shuffle involves promoting defensive tackle Tommy Togiai from the practice squad to the active roster, and signing veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris to a one-year contract. Togiai, a 2021 fourth-round draft pick out of Ohio State, has spent most of his NFL career on the practice squad, appearing in just 12 games over the past two seasons. While he has shown promise in limited action—recording 8 tackles and 1 quarterback hit—he lacks the experience and consistency of Collins. Harris, a 10-year NFL veteran who most recently played for the Las Vegas Raiders, brings depth and leadership to the position. He has recorded 29 sacks and 199 tackles over his career, and is known for his ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end. “Tommy has worked hard, and this is his chance to step up,” Stefanski said. “Adding Shelby gives us a veteran presence who can contribute right away. We’re confident in both players, but we know they’ll need time to adjust to our scheme.” The Browns have also shifted defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo to defensive tackle in certain packages, a move that will require Okoronkwo to learn a new position on the fly.

Maliek Collins' Injury Forces Roster Shuffle for the Cleveland Browns also means adjusting the defensive rotation, as the Browns will now rely on a committee approach at defensive tackle. Togiai and Harris are expected to split snaps at Collins’ spot, with Okoronkwo and defensive end Myles Garrett also seeing time inside in passing situations. This rotation will require the defensive line to communicate more effectively, as players will be switching positions and roles throughout the game. “Communication is going to be key,” said defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “We can’t afford misalignments or missed assignments, especially with new players in the lineup. We’ve been practicing this rotation all week, and the guys are picking it up quickly, but it’s going to take time to get comfortable.” For the Cleveland Browns, the biggest challenge will be maintaining consistency on run defense. Collins was often tasked with plugging gaps and taking on double teams, freeing up linebackers to make tackles. Without him, Togiai and Harris will need to hold their own against opposing offensive linemen, which could lead to more rushing yards for opponents. The Browns will face a tough test in Week 9, when they take on the Baltimore Ravens, who rank 5th in the NFL in rushing yards per game.

Another aspect of the roster shuffle is the impact on the Browns’ special teams unit, as Togiai and Harris will also be expected to contribute on kickoff and punt coverage. Togiai has experience on special teams from his time on the practice squad, but Harris has not played significant special teams snaps since 2018. “Special teams is a big part of the game, and we need everyone to contribute,” said special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. “Tommy knows our special teams schemes, and Shelby is a quick learner. We’ll work with him this week to get him up to speed.” For the Cleveland Browns, special teams has been a strength this season, ranking 7th in the NFL in kickoff return average and 12th in punt coverage. The addition of Togiai and Harris to the special teams unit could help maintain that success, but it also means more work for the coaching staff, who will need to prepare the new players for their roles. “It’s a lot to ask, but these guys are professionals,” Priefer said. “They understand the importance of special teams, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”

Maliek Collins' Injury Forces Roster Shuffle for the Cleveland Browns concludes with the long-term implications of the injury, as the Browns will need to monitor Collins’ rehabilitation and plan for his return. While 4-6 weeks is the expected timeline, the team will not rush him back, as a re-injury could be more severe. “We want Maliek to be 100% when he comes back,” Stefanski said. “He’s too important to this team to risk further injury. We’ll take it day by day, and we’ll make sure he’s ready before he steps back on the field.” In the meantime, the roster shuffle will give Togiai and Harris a chance to prove themselves, and could change the Browns’ defensive strategy for the remainder of the season. If Togiai and Harris perform well, the Browns could have more depth at defensive tackle than expected, which could be a boost in the playoffs. For the Cleveland Browns, the injury is a setback, but it’s also an opportunity to see what their backup players can do. As the team heads into the final stretch of the season, the roster shuffle will be a key factor in determining whether the Browns can secure a playoff spot and make a deep run. In the end, this isn’t just about replacing one player—it’s about the team coming together and adapting to adversity, a trait that will be essential for success in the NFL.