Browns Rule Out Collins for Saints Game
Cleveland defensive tackle Maliek Collins will miss Sunday's Week 9 matchup against New Orleans with an elbow injury.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
The Cleveland Browns ruled out defensive tackle Maliek Collins for Sunday's Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints. Collins missed all three practices this week with an elbow injury sustained in a 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Why it matters
Collins has been a key part of Cleveland's defensive front, with 3.5 sacks, 21 tackles and eight quarterback hits through eight games this season. His absence comes as the Browns' run defense has struggled, surrendering a season-high 200 rushing yards to Pittsburgh.
Collins has recorded 3.5 sacks, 21 tackles, seven tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits through eight games, after a career-high 6.5 sacks last season. The Browns, now 5-3, allowed a season-high 200 rushing yards to Pittsburgh.
The players
Maliek Collins
Maliek Collins is a 31-year-old defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns who signed a two-year, $30 million extension including $23 million in guarantees.
Todd Monken
Todd Monken is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns who oversees the team's on-field decisions and injury management.
Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders is a Cleveland Browns quarterback who is expected to start Sunday regardless of Deshaun Watson's availability.
Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson is a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, listed as questionable and currently in concussion protocol.
The details
Collins missed all three practices this week after an elbow injury flared up during Cleveland's 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh. Coach Todd Monken said he does not yet know whether the injury will be a long-term concern. Shedeur Sanders is expected to start regardless of Deshaun Watson's status, as Watson remains listed as questionable and in concussion protocol.
Timeline
Collins was ruled out on November 7, 2026, for Sunday's game against New Orleans.
Collins missed all three practices this week.
The Browns face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Season Trajectory
Collins has tallied 3.5 sacks through eight games after posting a career-high 6.5 last season, a pace that is down from his recent peak. Cleveland's 5-3 record and its defensive struggles against the run place his injury in the middle of a playoff-positioning stretch.
Collins' absence reduces Cleveland's depth along the defensive line, which could shift rotation snaps for backups against New Orleans. Fantasy managers who roster Browns defenders should check Monday's updated injury designations before setting lineups.
The takeaway
Injuries to rotational linemen often matter more than their stat lines suggest, because depth determines how well a defense holds up over a full season. Watch the Browns' run defense in the coming weeks to see whether the unit can recover without Collins.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Football coverage of the Cleveland Browns.
