Landon Collins saw his 2020 season come to an end after just seven games when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Oct. 25 against the Dallas Cowboys. An injury that can knock players out for up to a year, Collins is set to play in the Washington Football Team's first preseason matchup Thursday night against the New England Patriots.

"They gave me nine to 12 months," said Collins. "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."

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Washington head coach Ron Rivera spoke about the progression Collins has made since his injury. "He has come in with a different resolve," said Rivera. I think he is really taking the steps that we hoped he will. He is a tremendous talent. That is one of the things that you really like about who he his."

Collins is ready to make an impact for a Washington defense that ranked second in total defense and second in pass defense in 2020. "I feel great. I feel awesome," Collins said. "I feel like myself again. 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. But, yes, I'm in the top-notch shape of my life."

It is has been reported within Washington's training camp that Collins has had no setbacks and been taking a normal share of reps during practice.

Collins was also named the new union rep for the Washington Football Team this offseason. Washington will face off against New England, Thursday, Aug. 12 at Gillette Stadium and air on the NFL Network.

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