Bulls' Billy Donovan Provides Encouraging Zach Collins Injury Update

Collins takes positive step in recovery from toe injury as Bulls face center shortage

Feb. 11, 2026 at 10:47am

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Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan provided an encouraging update on center Zach Collins, who has been sidelined since late December with a right big toe sprain. Donovan said Collins recently did some altered-gravity running and felt tightness but no pain, a positive sign in his recovery. The Bulls have been left thin at center after trading Nikola Vucevic, with Collins and Jalen Smith both out with injuries.

Why it matters

The Bulls are in desperate need of center reinforcements after trading Vucevic, and Collins' return would provide much-needed stability to their frontcourt rotation. The team has struggled defensively against opposing centers in recent losses, making Collins' recovery a key priority as they fight for a playoff spot.

The details

Collins has been out since Dec. 27 with a right big toe sprain. Donovan said Collins recently did some altered-gravity running, where he felt tightness but no pain, which was an encouraging sign in his recovery process. The Bulls' medical staff and foot doctor wanted Collins to try this type of running to see if he could come out of the boot and progress further. With Vucevic traded and Smith also sidelined, the Bulls have been forced to start Guerschon Yabusele, who struggled earlier this season with the Knicks, and play Nick Richards off the bench.

  • Collins has been sidelined since Dec. 27 with a right big toe sprain.
  • In the last week, Collins did some altered-gravity running and felt tightness but no pain.

The players

Zach Collins

A 28-year-old center for the Chicago Bulls who has been sidelined since late December with a right big toe sprain.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls who provided the update on Collins' injury recovery.

Nikola Vucevic

The center the Bulls traded away, leaving them thin at the position.

Jalen Smith

A 25-year-old center for the Bulls who has also been sidelined with a calf injury.

Guerschon Yabusele

A player the Bulls have started at center in the absence of their injured big men, after struggling earlier this season with the Knicks.

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What they’re saying

“Zach actually did some altered-gravity running. He felt just tight, but no pain, which was encouraging.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Collins' recovery is a crucial development for the Bulls, who have been left thin at center after trading Vucevic. His return would provide much-needed stability and interior defense as the team fights for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.