Jamie Collins Illness: Updates on Patriots LB's Status and Return

After coming down with an illness, New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins has not played since Week 8. However, he is ready to return.

On Nov. 18, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Collins got over the virus he had been battling, but his availability was dependent on his weight and strength. Rapoport said Collins couldn't keep food down and lost weight due to the virus.

Continue for updates.

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Collins Active for Week 13

Sunday, Dec. 6

The Patriots announced that Collins was available against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Collins Comments on Playing Status

Friday, Dec. 4

Collins said, per James Palmer of NFL Network, that he's ready to play in Sunday's game.

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Latest on Collins' Practice Status

Thursday, Dec. 3

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reported that Collins was limited at practice for the second straight day.

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Pats President Jonathan Kraft Comments on Collins' Illness

Sunday, Nov. 29

While Kraft was not specific on Collins' progress Sunday, he did say, "Jamie is getting better and stronger every day," according to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss.

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Collins' Absence Was a Big Blow for Patriots Defense

The 26-year-old is coming off a strong 2014 season in which he recorded 116 combined tackles, four sacks and two interceptions. In 2015, Collins has recorded 51 combined tackles, forced three fumbles and recorded 4.5 sacks.

Teammate Eric Martin described Collins best, per Shalise Manza Young of Shutdown Corner:

Forecasting an All-Pro or even Defensive Player of the Year-type season for Collins didn't seem all that crazy before the year began, but that discussion will need to be put on hold after his injury.

The problem for New England is that it's almost impossible to find a like-for-like replacement for Collins on the roster. Few linebackers possess his natural physical gifts and overall defensive utility.