Maliek Collins exited the Browns’ loss yesterday. The veteran defensive tackle will not return, marking an end to his strong 2025 season. 
Collins was carted off the field Sunday, and the team quickly ruled out a return. The 30-year-old was listed with a knee injury at the time, and he had a brace on his right leg after the game (h/t Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal).
When speaking to the media today, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Collins has a quad injury which will require season-ending surgery. The news brings an end to what had been a highly productive campaign in this case. In 12 games, Collins set a new career high with 6.5 sacks. His absence will be acutely felt along the defensive line.
The Browns rank near the top of the league in several defensive categories, and Collins has played a major role in that success. The former third-rounder posted 14 quarterback pressures and 13 QB hits prior to suffering the injury. Replacing his production will be difficult down the stretch, although at 3-9 the Browns are not in postseason contention.
Collins inked a two-year deal to head to Cleveland in free agency this past spring. As a result, the Nebraska product is under contract for next season. He will look to return to full health in time for the start of the 2026 campaign, one in which another productive outing could yield a notable payday. Meanwhile, the Browns will also be shorthanded along the offensive line.
Stefanski added (via The Athletic’s Zac Jackson) guard Wyatt Teller is dealing with a calf injury. He is considered week-to-week at this point. Right tackle Jack Conklin was also injured yesterday, and he suffered his second concussion of the season. Stefanski confirmed Conklin is in the league’s concussion protocol, all-but guaranteeing he will miss at least one game.
Teller is a candidate for a new deal this offseason, whereas Conklin is a pending free agent. Injuries have largely derailed the latter’s time in Cleveland, and it would come as a surprise if he were to be retained for 2026. Decisions on that front will need to be made this offseason while Collins takes part in a lengthy rehab process.
That’s a shame. He’s been awesome this year.
good dude too