Nico Collins is finally back.
Well, he’s at least practicing for the first time in nearly a month.
The Houston Texans activated the fourth-year pass-catcher off the injured reserve Friday morning prior to pracitce.
They will have 21 days to either activate him to the 53-man roster or place him back on the IR.
Collins plans on playing the remainder of the regular season, including potentially on Sunday when Houston plays host to the Detroit Lions. As C.J. Stroud’s top target, the Texans need him back for the home stretch if they plan on securing a top-three seed in the AFC Playoffs.
THE NEWS #Texans fans have been waiting for.
Nico Collins is off the injured reserve list.
His 21-day window to return is open.
The Texans also have placed Kenyon Green on the IR as his replacement.
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) November 8, 2024
While Collins hasn’t practiced the past two days, that doesn’t mean he won’t play at NRG Stadium in Week 10 as Houston debuts its new “Battle Red” jerseys. Twice players have missed practice and returned in time for kickoff.
Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi missed back-to-back practices with a shoulder injury in Week 7 before returning to take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Tight end Dalton Schutlz missed two practices because of an ankle injury, yet still managed to suit up in Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears.
Just because Collins is cleared to practice doesn’t mean he’ll play, either. The Texans know their offense funnels through the vertical star who posted career numbers in 2023 as Stroud’s top target.
Any setback could cost them wins in favorable matchups against the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye week.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Collins was “doing good” leading up to Wednesday’s practice. The tean planned on monitoring him throughout the week before making a final deciscion.
Nico Collins has been Designated for Return/Returned to practice and we have made another roster move. pic.twitter.com/a0llsqDsze
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 8, 2024
Collins, who led the NFL in receving yards (567) and ranked third in receptions (32) before being injured, will test out the hamstring during Friday’s drills. Houston will have two days to decide if he’s healthy enough to play on Sunday against the NFC favorites in what could be a potential Super Bowl preview.
Even if Collins is out, it’s a significant step in the right direction, something needed for Houston entering the second half of the regular season.
