Rookie defensive tackle Maliek Collins has broken his right foot during Organized Team Activities and could miss up to 3 months.
Collins, taken in the third round of last April’s draft, was expected to be an immediate contributor on the defensive line. He was considered an instant scheme fit and could have even been a Week One starter if Tyrone Crawford is asked to play defensive end. Now he will likely miss all of training camp and perhaps the entire preseason.
Collins’ absence will give veterans Terrell McClain, Jack Crawford, and David Irving better opportunity to cement a role in the defensive line rotation. It could also keep Tyrone Crawford locked in at tackle, opening up opportunity for some of the defensive end prospects.
If he misses all of camp and preseason, Collins will be eligible for the Physically Unable to Perform List. That will allow Dallas to work him in slowly during the regular season, which may be preferable for a rookie.
