La'el Collins (71) Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals right tackle La'el Collins provides 'interesting' injury update

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/24/23

The Bengals have rebuilt their offensive line in front of QB Joe Burrow, but right tackle remains in big question. However, right tackle La'el Collins gave an update on his health Monday that could affect the team's plans in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Collins, who tore his ACL and MCL late last season, told reporters there's "no doubt about it" he's ahead of schedule from recovery. He interestingly added that he feels healthier this year as well after battling back from injury last year.

First sight of La’el Collins here in the #Bengals open locker room: Says “no doubt about it” he’s ahead of schedule from ACL recovery.

Right now feeling great and, interestingly, feels he will be healthier this year (battled back injury last year).

Real positive talk from LC. pic.twitter.com/jNgccNVsxM
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 24, 2023

The 29-year-old signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Cincinnati last offseason and surely doesn't want to lose his spot to a rookie from this year's draft.

Some believe the Bengals could draft an offensive tackle with their first-round pick but if Collins is planning to return sooner than later, that could certainly change the team's plans.

Offensive tackle Jonah Williams would have solved Cincinnati's issue but he requested a trade after the team signed Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency with no interest in moving to the right side.

The Bengals still need to find their answer at right tackle until Collins is fully healthy, but it may not come until at least day two with the latest news.

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