Nine months removed from a torn Achilles, safety Landon Collins plans to be in the starting lineup on Thursday when the Washington Football Team opens the preseason.
Collins tore his Achilles in October but worked to get back on the field with full medical clearance for the start of training camp last month.
With no setbacks, Collins will be in the starting lineup Thursday against the New England Patriots.
“They gave me nine to 12 months (as a timetable),” Collins said in an NFL Network interview. “I came back in seven-and-a-half months. Everybody is like ‘how did I do that?’ It’s really just hard work and determination. I appreciate all my doctors being on my roll call and just helping me get back on my feet. It was tremendous and it’s all thanks to them, and to the Lord upstairs.”
The 27-year-old said he feels “awesome” but doesn’t know how much he’ll play in August exhibition games.
“I feel like myself again,” he said. “I’m in better shape than before (the injury). Just ready to get back out there with my guys… I really feel great. I feel in top-notch shape. Worked hard — and I had to work hard because of the injury — just kept being determined on what I needed to do.”
