The Dallas Cowboys' defensive linemen room will be loaded in 2018, filled with names that will build a very strong unit and haunt opposing offensive fronts week after week. DT Maliek Collins, who's heading into his third season in the NFL will be one of those names. Unfortunately, his season will begin with a bit of a challenge.
For the second time in his career, he'll miss a big part of the offseason. Although there's still not a clear timeline for his injury, a surgery will likely be required soon.
Sources: #Cowboys DT Maliek Collins suffered a broken foot today while participating in the offseason conditioning program. A timeline is not yet clear for the starter.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 11, 2018
Maliek Collins has been a very important player for this team's defense, even though he's not widely known in the NFL landscape. Out of 32 career games, Collins has started in 30. A former third-round pick out of Nebraska, he's managed to get 7.5 sacks and 27 tackles in his two years playing for the Cowboys.
For Collins, a foot injury is anything but new. In 2016 he broke his right foot and was able to get back on the field before the season started.
Maliek Collins broke his other (right) foot in June two years ago, had surgery and made it back before the end of training camp. So, a Week 1 return this time would seem to be a realistic target. We'll see. #cowboyswire
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) May 11, 2018
It's never good to hear about a player getting injured. Even still, it's slightly better if the player is expected to return for the regular season. Hopefully, Maliek Collins is able to gear up in September.
In the meantime, the Dallas Cowboys hosted Defensive Tackle Terrell McClain this week, hoping to get him back on the team and fill a need that wasn't addressed in the Draft. McClain had a pretty good season in 2016, before he ended up playing for the Washington Redskins in 2017.
After being released by their NFC East rival, the Cowboys showed interest in the 29-year old DT. Bringing in McClain, who had a very good year in 2016 simply makes sense for Dallas. Despite trading for Jihad Ward, they still need help at the position. McClain not only fits, but has found success wearing the Star.
Unless he's asking for a ridiculous contract, I don't see why the front office wouldn't decide to use some of the cap space that they have available to get the former Cowboy back on the team.
Having Collins, McClain, Ward, Jones and Irving at defensive tackle will be a very fun thing to watch during the 2018 season, and something Cowboys Nation should be very excited about. Here at Inside The Star, will continue to update you about Maliek Collins' status, Terrell McClain's free agency and everything about your Dallas Cowboys!
