After missing the last four games, Collins could return this week

Freshman Seth Collins returned to practice on Monday for the first time since suffering a knee injury in the week leading up to the Oct. 31 game against Utah. After sitting out the last four contests because of a knee hyperextension that he suffered while stretching, it’s possible the true freshman could see the playing field this weekend at the wide receiver position.

In his weekly press conference, Andersen hinted that we could see Collins at the wide receiver position. He also mentioned that he could be used anywhere within the offense as long as he is healthy and plays within himself.

“Seth has been a playmaker all year long, and his ability to come back and help us would be fantastic,” Andersen said. “If we have an opportunity to use him and we think it’s the best thing for the offense, we absolutely will.”

Collins was working out  with the scout team offense during Monday’s workout and was looked like he was in good health moving forward. Collins wore a white jersey as opposed to usual orange quarterback jersey that he has worn for the majority of the season.

Last week he was thought to be out for the season as Andersen said that Collins would be ready to go in January for winter workouts. 

However, last week Collins ramped up his activity and has been working with the scout team exclusively, catching passes and running routes with the opposing offensive unit.

If Collins is cleared to play medically, Andersen and offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin will find a way to get him on the field. Even though he has missed the last four contests, he is still OSU’s leading rusher with 541 yards and five rushing touchdowns. 

As a quarterback this season, Collins threw for 891 yards and six touchdowns before splitting time with Nick Mitchell in the Colorado game on Oct. 24 prior to his injury.

Collins wouldn’t be the first OSU dual threat quarterback to switch to the wide receiver position. Former OSU quarterback Tim Alexander started his career at the quarterback position before moving to the wide receiver spot and had success in his last year at OSU, hauling in 52 passes for 620 yards and averaging 11.9 yards per catch.

Andersen said the injury report to be released this week will have some surprises on it and some players will be ready to play sooner than expected. 

Whether or not Collins plays against Oregon, the Beavers will have their hands full trying to keep pace offensively with the best scoring team in the Pac-12 as the Ducks average 42 points per game.

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