Detroit Lions LB Jamie Collins, still engaging with team, explains OTA absences

Detroit Lions linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. has been one of the more noticeable absences at organized team activity (OTA) practices this year, but the veteran has a pretty good reason why he has missed out on the first two weeks of practices. Collins told Albert Breer of SI.com that he’s been back in Charlotte with his girlfriend awaiting the birth of his second son.

And despite missing out on the on-field action, Collins has had an active relationship with the Lions over the past few weeks. He’s attending every meeting over Zoom, having daily phone calls with his coaches, and even reviewing tape of every OTA practice thus far. The only thing that hasn’t happened yet for Collins is a face-to-face meeting with his new teammates and coaches.

“We talk all the time,” Collins told Breer. “That’s the thing, we just have to put a face with a name now. Being virtual, it’s FaceTime, it’s on the phone, we haven’t been face-to-face yet. And that’s why I’m so excited to get there, meet the guys, have a conversation with them.”

Although Collins was brought in by the previous regime, head coach Dan Campbell appears to be impressed by his skill set and likely has a big role for him considering Detroit’s thin pool of linebackers.

“Jamie is a versatile guy,” Campbell said back in March. “He really gives us a guy that can do a little bit of everything. I mean, he can cover, he can rush, he can play in the stack, he can be a green dot making all the calls. He does give us versatility in that regard.”

Collins seems thrilling to be a part of this new era of Lions football, believing this team could be headed for something big soon.

“I’m eager to put a face with a name and get this thing rolling in Detroit,” Collins said. “It’s past due, we’re due for a great season this year.”

You can read more on Collins over at SI.com and hear his thoughts on what could be the next NFL dispute with the Players Association: the format of training camp.