Cardinals rookie Zaven Collins in line for playing time at OLB vs. Dallas

Arizona Cardinals fans might get their long-awaited wish of rookie linebacker Zaven Collins getting extended reps in a regular season game.

Although, it won’t necessarily be at the position many would expect the 2021 first-rounder to man after he was proclaimed the team’s starting inside linebacker this offseason by the team.

With both outside linebackers Markus Golden and Devon Kennard currently on the COVID-19 list, Collins could see himself playing alongside starting ILB Jordan Hicks instead of in place of him when the Cardinals take on the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

“We have some backup guys that have played good for us in the past, and absolutely, Zaven could have a role as an outside backer this week,” Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday.

“We’ll see how the week goes, but he’s worked there all year so it won’t be a new role for him.”

Despite the initial expectation that Collins would play a meaningful role as the defense’s quarterback, that has yet to be seen nearly 17 weeks into the season.

After posting a season-high 57% of the team’s defensive snaps (32) in a blowout Week 7 win over the Houston Texans, Collins has posted no more than 31% of snaps since.

It’s gotten especially slim as of late, with Collins seeing just three defensive snaps over the past five games, all of which came in a Week 13 win over the Chicago Bears.

The limited reps have translated to 22 tackles and two passes defensed.

While the defensive snaps have been few and far between, Collins has been utilized more as a special teamer in past weeks, garnering at least 56% of snaps since Week 10.

Another rookie linebacker who has carved a nice role in the special teams unit is sixth-rounder Victor Dimukeje, who could also be in line for an extended look in Dallas.

Seeing at least 52% of special teams snaps in all but one game this season, Dimukeje has played well under special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers.

Ironically, Dimukeje’s only other time with multiple defensive snaps came against the Cowboys during the preseason.

“He was drafted for a reason,” Joseph said. “He’s a bright kid, he’s powerful, he can set an edge, he’s a good rusher. So he will have a chance to play on Sunday and prove his worth.

“But again, I’m excited about these young guys who have a chance to play. It always gives you a new energy to watch these young guys play. They’ve waited their turn, they’re fresh, and they’re eager.”

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