Zaven Collins Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Rams vs Cardinals game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Sep 12, 2025
Healthy for Sunday's game
Collins (hand) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game versus the Panthers, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins sustained a hand injury during Arizona's season opener at New Orleans, but it evidently was minor and won't be a problem for Week 2. He projects to continue to play a rotational role at linebacker versus Carolina.
Sep 7, 2025
Suffers hand injury vs. NOLA
Collins is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Saints due to a hand injury.
ANALYSIS
Collins suffered the injury in the third quarter of Sunday's game, and he'll undergo further tests to determine the severity of the issue and whether he can return. Collins' absence opens the door for Baron Browning and Owen Pappoe to see more snaps with the first-team defense at linebacker.
Jan 15, 2025
Sets career high in sacks
Collins played all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and finished with 57 tackles (33 solo), including 5.0 sacks, one pass defense and two forced fumbles.
ANALYSIS
Collins has accumulated 98 combined tackles over the past two seasons, which is less than his total from the 2022 campaign (100 combined tackles across 16 regular-season games). However, Collins has developed into more of a pass-rushing threat, leading the Cardinals with 5.0 sacks in 2024. He'll look to develop his pass-rushing abilities during the offseason and improve on his numbers during the 2025 campaign.
Dec 20, 2024
Ready to rock
Collins (neck) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Panthers, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins upgraded to full practice Friday after opening the week with consecutive limited sessions due to a neck injury, so it appears he's moved past the issue in time to suit up Sunday. The Tulsa product has recorded 49 total tackles, including 4.0 sacks, over 14 games this season and is expected to serve as one of Arizona's top edge rushers in Week 16.
Dec 18, 2024
Picks up neck injury
Collins (neck) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite playing 23 defensive snaps and recording three total tackles in Arizona's Week 15 win over New England, Collins appears to have sustained a neck injury. The Tulsa product has yet to miss a game this season and is expected to play through the issue, provided he does not downgrade to no practice participation Thursday or Friday.
Nov 4, 2024
Gets to QB in win
Collins recorded six tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks and a tackle for a loss, in Sunday's 29-9 win over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
The defensive end also played on more than half of the defensive snaps for the sixth time in nine games this season. Collins has 37 tackles (22 solo), including 3.0 sacks, in 2024.
Sep 9, 2024
Nine tackles vs. Buffalo
Collins finished Sunday's 34-28 loss to Buffalo with nine tackles (five solo).
ANALYSIS
Collins tied Mack Wilson for third-most combined tackles on Arizona on Sunday behind Kyzir White (11) and Budda Baker (10). Collins didn't record more than five total tackles in 2023, and his nine combined tackles in Week 1 tied a career best he set in 2022. The 2021 first-round pick played 40 of the Cardinals' 58 defensive snaps.
Aug 3, 2024
Inks contract extension
Collins and the Cardinals agreed to a two-year, $14 million contract extension Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The deal includes $11.25 million in guaranteed money.
ANALYSIS
It was somewhat surprising when Arizona didn't pick up Collins' fifth-year option in April, but the defensive end will ultimately stick with the organization for at least two more seasons. Collins transitioned from inside linebacker to the edge ahead of the 2023 campaign and saw his tackle numbers drop dramatically, though he did finish the campaign with a career-high 3.5 sacks. Collins will look to grow in 2024 in his second year as an edge rusher.
Apr 30, 2024
Option not picked up
The Cardinals have opted not to pick up Collins' fifth-year option, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This move is somewhat of a surprise, as Collins' started all 33 games he has played the previous two seasons, and he projects to continue starting at defensive end in 2024. He did see his production decrease this past year in the tackle department, dropping from 100 (63) in 2022 to 41 (27 solo) in 2023. The 24-year-old is now heading into a contract year and will look to prove his value accordingly.
Dec 29, 2023
Will play at Philadelphia
Collins (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game at Philadelphia, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
After missing practice Wednesday, Collins was able to manage a limited practice Thursday and upgrade to a full practice Friday, allowing him to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend. He will likely start on the edge in Week 17.
Dec 28, 2023
Raises to limited practice session
Collins (ankle) returned to practice in a limited fashion Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's loss to Chicago and did not practice Wednesday. However, he was able to upgrade to a limited session Thursday, so he seems to be showing some improvement. Collins has yet to miss a game this season, but if we were to sit out Sunday in Philadelphia, Cameron Thomas could see an uptick in defensive snaps.
Dec 27, 2023
Misses practice Wednesday
Collins (ankle) did not participate at the Cardinals' practice Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins exited the team's Week 16 loss to the Bears with a lower-leg injury, which has now been clarified as ankle issue. The defensive end's absence Wednesday isn't surprising, but he'll likely have to practice in some capacity this week to have a shot at playing Sunday versus the Eagles.
Dec 24, 2023
Exits game with foot injury
Collins (foot) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bears, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins exited Sunday's game in the first half without recording a stat. Cameron Thomas and Dante Stills should see more action at defensive end alongside starter Kevin Strong for as long as Collins remains on the sidelines.
Sep 27, 2023
Practices fully Wednesday
Collins (eye) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins was poked in the eye in the Week 3 win over Dallas but is good to go for this week's game against the 49ers. The No. 16 overall pick of the 2021 Draft, Collins has recorded seven tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup through three contests.
Sep 27, 2023
Should be good to go
Collins (eye) is "good to go" Sunday against the 49ers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins was poked in the eye during the team's Week 3 win over the Cowboys and had to exit the game. Gannon notes that the Tulsa product will need to wear a dark visor, but should be able to play moving forward.
Sep 24, 2023
Exits Sunday with eye injury
Collins is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Cowboys after exiting with an eye injury.
ANALYSIS
Collins registered two tackles -- including one sack -- before exiting in the third quarter. Cameron Thomas and BJ Ojulari would both see an uptick in their workloads should Collins be unable to return.
Sep 12, 2023
Part of two turnovers in Week 1
Collins recorded two tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery during Sunday's 20-16 loss at Washington.
ANALYSIS
Collins made the move from inside linebacker to pass rusher in the offseason, so he wasn't expected to replicate his 100 tackles in 16 games from the 2022 campaign. However, his playmaking was on full display Week 1, as he intercepted Commanders quarterback Sam Howell early in the second quarter before recovering an Antonio Gibson fumble almost exactly six minutes later. Considering the change of positions, Collins doesn't exactly have a high floor, but he should pop from time to time, especially once he starts to get to opposing QBs.
Apr 26, 2023
Working with edge rushers
Collins was lining up as an edge rusher at practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins, who primarily played middle linebacker during his first two seasons, has been lining up as outside linebacker and edge rusher during the team's veteran minicamp. Head coach Johnathan Gannon said it remains to be seen if the 23-year-old will continue to lineup on the edge come the start of the regular season, so where on defense Collins plays will be worth monitoring throughout the summer.
Jan 6, 2023
Sitting out Week 18
Collins (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins will be sidelined for Sunday's regular-season finale after failing to practice during Week 18 prep with a calf injury, marking his first absence of the season. The 2021 first-round pick stepped up into a bigger role during his second season with Arizona, as he's logged the team's third-most tackles heading into Week 18. In his absence, Ben Niemann and Kamu Grugier-Hill should be in line for increased snaps versus San Francisco.
Jan 5, 2023
Sits out second practice Thursday
Collins (calf) was listed as a non-participant on the Cardinals' injury report Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Collins logged seven tackles while playing 95 percent of defensive snaps in Sunday's loss to the Falcons. However, it appears he came away from the contest with a calf injury, which has kept him sidelined for the first two practices during Week 18 prep. Collins has recorded a career-high 100 tackles, two sacks and six passes defended, including a pick-six, across 16 games this season. He'll now have one more opportunity to increase his practice activity before the regular-season finale against San Francisco this coming Sunday.
Jan 4, 2023
Tallies seven stops in loss
Collins recorded seven tackles (six solo) and a pass defended during Sunday's 20-19 defeat versus Atlanta.
ANALYSIS
Collins defended a pass for the second game in a row, increasing his season total in this category to six. The second-year linebacker has now accumulated 100 tackles over 16 games after stepping up into an every-down role this season. Collins will look to record the first double-digit tackle performance of his career Week 18 against San Francisco.
Nov 22, 2022
Accrues seven tackles in Week 11
Collins totaled seven tackles during Monday's 38-10 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Collins followed up a season-low tackle tally (three) from Week 10 with a more typical stat line one game later. He's one of two Cardinals with at least 70 tackles (71, to be precise) alongside safety Budda Baker (85), helping Colllins rank in a tie for 35th in the NFL with the Seahawks Cody Barton. Collins will aim to keep it up Sunday versus the Chargers before Arizona's Week 13 bye.
Nov 8, 2022
Scores first career touchdown
Collins recorded seven tackles, including a tackle for loss, and a pick-six during Sunday's 31-21 defeat to the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Collins has been consistent on the tackle front in his second pro campaign, hovering between four and nine per week en route to 61 through nine games. Aside from a two-sack Week 6, though, he didn't make much of an impact in box scores elsewhere until his acrobatic interception of Seattle quarterback Geno Smith on Sunday that he returned 30 yards to the house. The Cardinals expect to be without leading tackler Budda Baker for a few weeks due to a high-ankle sprain, so Collins may have elevated tackle totals as long as the former is sidelined.
Nov 2, 2022
Totals five tackles Sunday
Collins accrued five tackles and one pass defense during Sunday's 34-26 loss in Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Through eight games, Collins has reached five tackles on seven occasions, helping him rank second on the Cardinals in tackles (54) behind Budda Baker (60). Aside from a two-sack Week 6 in Seattle, though, Collins doesn't have much else on his overall ledger this season. With another matchup against the Seahawks on tap Sunday, he'll look to get after Seattle quarterback Geno Smith yet again.
Oct 19, 2022
Ready for Thursday Night Football
Collins (shoulder) doesn't have a designation for Thursday's contest versus the Saints, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
After being listed as limited on Monday's practice estimate, Collins had a cap on his reps at Tuesday's session and handled every rep at Wednesday's walkthrough. With his availability confirmed ahead of Thursday, he'll again serve as one of Arizona's top producers of tackles along with safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson (hamstring, questionable), assuming the latter is active.
Oct 17, 2022
Still dealing with shoulder injury
Collins (shoulder) was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
During Sunday's 19-9 loss in Seattle, Collins went off for nine tackles, including two sacks, and he now ranks second on the Cards in terms of tackles (41) behind safety Budda Baker (45) through six games. Collins has been dealing with a shoulder issue since a Week 3 matchup against the Rams, but he's proceeded to earn 100 percent of the defensive snaps in each of the team's last three contests. He'll look to ditch his injury designation ahead of Thursday's outing against the Saints.
Oct 7, 2022
Cleared for Week 5
Collins doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Eagles, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins logged back-to-back limited practices Wednesday and Thursday but returned to full participation Friday, putting him in line to suit up in Week 5. The second-year linebacker has recorded 27 tackles and one forced fumble while playing nearly every defensive snap across the first four games of the season.
Oct 5, 2022
Stays limited at practice
Collins (shoulder) was limited at Wednesday's practice, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins had a cap on his practice reps during Week 4 prep, but he still suited up this past Sunday in Carolina and paced the Cardinals in tackles with eight. Through four games, he ranks fifth on the team in defensive snap share (92.9 percent), while his most-recent performance has pushed him to a close third in tackles (27) behind safeties Budda Baker (32) and Jalen Thompson (28). Collins will look to get rid of his designation for a Week 5 matchup with the Eagles.
Oct 2, 2022
Will play
Collins (shoulder) will play Sunday against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Collins was limited in practice all week after suffering the injury in a Week 3 loss to the Rams. He should start alongside Isaiah Simmons at inside linebacker.
Sep 30, 2022
Listed as questionable for Sunday
Collins (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins was limited at practices throughout the week due to a shoulder injury he picked up during the team's Week 3 loss to the Rams. While the second-year linebacker had to be removed from the contest, he avoided a major injury and has a chance to suit up against Carolina, but Collins may still miss at least one game to avoid a potential setback. If he's ruled out for Week 4, Nick Vigil would be a likely candidate to start in Collins' absence.
Sep 28, 2022
Limited at practice Wednesday
Collins (shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins was unable to return after picking up a shoulder injury during the second half of the team's Week 3 loss to the Rams. Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Monday that the linebacker avoided a serious injury, but Collins still isn't out of the woods yet. Arizona's practice report Thursday and Friday should provide further clarity on Collins' status for Week 4.
Sep 26, 2022
Should be OK
Collins (shoulder) should be OK, according to head coach Kliff Kingsbury, after suffering the injury in the Cardinals' 20-12 loss to the Rams on Sunday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins suffered the injury in the second half of the loss and was unable to return. However, barring any setbacks it appears that Collins should be able to suit up Sunday, when the Cardinals battle the Panthers.
Sep 25, 2022
Dealing with shoulder injury
Collins is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Rams due to a shoulder injury, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins racked up four solo tackles in the first half of Sunday's matchup, but he sustained a shoulder injury in the second half. If he's unable to return, Nick Vigil will likely handle an increased role for Arizona.
Mar 24, 2022
Larger role in store in 2022
Collins is in line for a starting role at inside linebacker for the Cardinals in 2022 after the offseason release of Jordan Hicks, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite selecting an inside linebacker in the first round for the second consecutive draft last year, Arizona rolled with Hicks and 2020 first-rounder Isaiah Simmons in 2021. Both Hicks and Simmons sprung for more than 100 tackles and at least 950 snaps, while Collins' output was more stated (25 tackles on 361 snaps between defense and special teams). With Hicks out of town, Collins will team with Simmons in the middle of the Cardinals defense moving forward. Assuming he takes on most of Hicks' workload this season, Collins could approach triple-digit tackles after averaging 7.4 per game in three years at Tulsa.
Nov 6, 2021
Absent from injury report
Collins (shoulder) is not listed on the Cardinals' injury report ahead of Sunday's contest against the 49ers, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins exited the Cardinals' Week 8 loss to the Packers early after injuring his shoulder. With that being a Thursday game, he has had a few extra days to recover. As a result, it appears he will resume his usual role providing depth at linebacker assuming he avoids any setbacks.
Oct 28, 2021
Ruled out Thursday
Collins has been downgraded from questionable to out after suffering a shoulder injury in Thursday's game against the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Collins was hurt during a running play late in the first quarter and required assistance getting off the field. It's unclear how serious the injury may be, but he'll miss the rest of the team's Week 8 matchup. Prior to his exit, Collins did not record a stat.
Oct 28, 2021
Injures shoulder Thursday
Collins hurt his right shoulder during the first quarter of Thursday's game versus the Packers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Collins suffered the injury on a 12-yard run by Green Bay running back AJ Dillon and required assistance to get off the field. The 2021 first-round linebacker has found it difficult to earn playing time behind Jordan Hicks and Isaiah Simmons, but Collins still had 17 tackles and two pass defenses on 151 defensive snaps in seven games prior to Week 8.
Jun 21, 2021
Facing charges after arrest
Collins was arrested and charged Sunday for excessive speed and reckless driving, according to the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Police Department.
ANALYSIS
Collins was spotted going 76 mph in a 35-mph zone, precipitating a traffic stop. He later was released and now awaits trial on a charge that is deemed to be a Class 2 misdemeanor and could result in jail time. However the case breaks, the Cardinals and the NFL will wait for the legal process to play out before levying any sort of punishment. In the meantime, Collins will continue to prepare for his rookie campaign after the Cardinals selected him, 16th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft to serve as the team's starting Mike linebacker.
May 12, 2021
Handed starting job?
Collins is expected to work as the Cardinals' starting MIKE linebacker, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Accordingly, the team has given veteran 'backer Jordan Hicks permission to seek a trade, following back-to-back seasons with 16 starts and triple-digit tackles. Collins and Isaiah Simmons, the Cardinals' first-round picks from the past two offseasons, are expected to be the starting inside linebackers come Week 1. Collins has the build of an edge rusher at 6-foot-5, 259 pounds, but he's apparently more comfortable playing as an off-ball linebacker. In three seasons at Tulsa, the No. 16 overall pick recorded 236 tackles, 7.5 sacks and five interceptions.
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