Washington safety Landon Collins will undergo surgery Monday to repair his torn left Achilles, an expected move after suffering the injury Sunday.
Team officials had feared after the game that he had torn his Achilles and would miss the season; an MRI confirmed those fears Monday. Collins told NFL reporter Josina Anderson about the surgery date.
The team is expected to provide an official update on Collins’ status soon. He will eventually be placed on injured reserve.
Collins tore his Achilles in the second quarter of Sunday’s 25-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He was having his best game of the season, having recorded a sack/fumble that led to a safety in the first quarter and finishing with four tackles and another quarterback hurry.
“It’s always tough when you lose a good football player,” Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. “He’s a tough guy that was voted a team captain by his peers. Obviously, any time that happens, it’s something you have to work to overcome. We’re just going to ask him to heal up and stay positive. We’re going to carry on. We’re going to continue on and expect to play well.”
Del Rio said he texted with Collins after the game Sunday.
“I encouraged him to keep his head up, keep his spirits high and heal up and obviously that we’d miss him,” he said. “Love and respect to him. Heal up. We’re going to carry on.”
Washington signed Collins to a six-year deal worth up to $84 million in the 2019 offseason. He’ll be replaced by rookie Kam Curl. Deshazor Everett, who can play both safety spots, will stay at free safety. Washington can also use former starting free safety Troy Apke in various packages and corner Kendall Fuller at safety in obvious passing situations.
“You lose a great player, great leadership in the locker room,” said Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. “You lose a lot with Landon.”