Injury Update on Cincinnati Bengals RT Collins

The Cincinnati Bengals have apparently avoided catastrophe with one of their starting offensive linemen. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports La'el Collins is not believed to have suffered a torn ACL during the Bengals' Week 16 22-18 win over the New England Patriots.

#Bengals OT La'el Collins had initial tests on his knee and the ACL is believed to be intact, source said. My understanding is his kneecap shifted — causing significant pain — but it shifted back into place. More tests coming.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2022

Collins exited in the first quarter of today's matchup after a Patriots defender rolled over his knee. He hobbled off the field under his own power but appeared in significant pain and did not return. The injury, as described by Rapoport, doesn't preclude missed time, but a torn ACL would have certainly ended Collins' season.

If Collins can return quickly, the Bengals offense should continue a hot streak that has made them one of the top contenders in the AFC. With today's victory, the Bengals have now won seven straight while scoring 29.3 points per game.

Collins joined the Bengals via free agency earlier this year on a three-year, $21 million deal. He started 74 games over seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 2015 to 2021.