Nate Collins out for season, Chicago Bears DT woes continue
By John Adair
Earlier in the season, the Chicago Bears suffered a huge blow to their defensive front when they lost defensive tackle Henry Melton to a torn ACL. Now, just weeks after, Melton’s replacement Nate Collins has suffered the same injury. Head coach Marc Trestman has confirmed that both Melton and Collins have been lost for the remainder of the season.
Melton was a key piece of Chicago’s pass rush up the middle. Losing him was thought to be crippling to the team’s success. However, Collins stepped in and played well in the only great opportunity he has had in his career thus far. Collins had 13 tackles and one sack on the season before going down with his season-ending knee injury.
At 25 years old, it seems as though he was just getting his footing in the NFL before his season was cut short. Both defensive tackles are in a contract year, but Collins’ status in the league is not as positive as Melton’s. Even if Melton is not back with the Bears next season, he will be on a roster. While Collins will likely be back in the “Windy City” next year, there is no guarantee that anyone else will be calling if that is not the case.