The rookie linebacker was diagnosed with a “small fracture in his right foot” and will be out for the remainder of the season. The team still has some hope that he could come back next year, but they are being cautious just in case.
The “zaven collins” is a promising rookie linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals. The team has been giving updates on his progress and how he’s doing so far.
courtesy of Getty Images In 2021, Zaven Collins warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns.
On defense, the first-round rookie linebacker Zaven Collins being an afterthought has to be the elephant in the room for the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.
General manager Steve Keim phoned linebacker Jordan Hicks a few days after the Cardinals picked Collins and informed him he wouldn’t be able to contend for a starting spot this season. Hicks had been a starter for the previous two seasons, which irritated him and led to his asking a trade in the summer.
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Hicks, on the other hand, quickly took over as a leader and finally retained his position as a MIKE linebacker. Collins has played little since Hicks leads the club in tackles with 110 in 15 games. For the season, the rookie linebacker has just 22 tackles and hasn’t played any defensive plays in four of the previous five games.
With outside linebackers Markus Golden and Devon Kennard on the Reserve/COVID list, supporters may be anticipating a change of plans in Week 17.
DC of the Cardinals Addresses the Press
On December 30, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph spoke with the media. Due to the absences of Golden and Kennard, there was a question over the lack of players for outside linebacker.
Collins was brought up as OLB by Joseph, which isn’t a new position for the 16th overall selection.
“Certainly, Zaven (Collins) could play outside linebacker,” Joseph said. “We’ll see how this week goes, but he’s been there for a year and won’t be in a new capacity.”
Since Week 10, Collins has been confined to backup and special teams duties. In the fourth quarter of Week 14, the 22-year-old recovered an onside kick against the Los Angeles Rams.
Collins’ issue is nothing new for the Cardinals. When Isaiah Simmons was a rookie in 2020, he likewise battled to get out of the running. Collins, on the other hand, is far behind and must contend with veteran starter Hicks.
Collins has been awarded a vote of confidence by Golden.
He’s all set! He’s been putting in long hours since he arrived! 💯💪🏿
30 December 2021 — Markus Golden (@markusgolden)
Victor Dimukeje, a sixth-round rookie linebacker, might get time at outside linebacker, according to Joseph.
“On Sunday, he’ll have an opportunity to play and show himself,” Joseph added.
Because he’s an outside linebacker, the club picked him for a purpose, according to Joseph.
In addition, the Cardinals are without crucial cornerbacks. After suffering a torn pectoral muscle, starting defensive back Robert Alford was put on injured reserve. Due to a shoulder injury, rookie cornerback Marco Wilson will not play against the Dallas Cowboys.
Joseph will have to make due with what he has since there aren’t many corpses accessible.
“It’s my responsibility to figure out what they’re excellent at and put them in favorable places,” Joseph said.
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