Chicago Bears lose Nate Collins for season, another crushing DT loss

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Nate Collins (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears suffered a crippling blow earlier in the season when top DT Henry Melton suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and replacement Nate Collins has suffered the same fate. Melton is one of the Bears best players on defense, and his injury was a huge blow to the Bears. Not only that, but Melton also suffered the injury in a contract year. Now, the Bears official site Twitter states that head coach Marc Trestman “confirms” that Melton’s replacement Nate Collins will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.

Melton was a key pass rushing defensive tackle for the Bears and one of the best pass rushing DTs in the NFL in the 4-3 scheme. Meanwhile, Collins had 13 tackles and one sack so far this season in the best opportunity of his career following Melton’s injury, and he became a nice, every-down DT for the Bears. His average play in Melton’s stead shows that he is a quality backup DT for the Bears going forward, and he can also be a spot-starter if needed.

Sadly, Collins is also on a one-year deal, and his status in this league definitely isn’t entrenched like Melton. He’ll likely be back for the Bears next year, but let’s just hope that Collins can make a full recovery. If there is any hitch, then it could be difficult for him to find his footing. I highly doubt that happens, though, since he’s just 25.

Collins’s injury is a huge blow to the Chicago Bears already-thin depth at DT following Melton’s injury, and it will be interesting to see who is the next man up for the Bears following Collins’s ACL tear.

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