The Houston Texans are getting healthy at the right time.
While the AFC South favorites will be without All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs for the remainder of the season, they are getting back defensive back Jimmie Ward and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Houston also could be adding its top weapon in Nico Collins for Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions on NBC at NRG Stadium. The fourth-year target was designated to return after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury.
Will Collins be cleared to return to action, or will the Texans hold him out until he is as close to 100% as possible? Here’s what to know about the No. 1 receiver’s injury and status for Week 10.
Nico Collins injury update
Collins, who was leading the NFL in receiving yards with 567, left during the first quarter of Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills. After scoring on a 67-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud, Collins hobbled over to the sideline and began grabbing the back of his leg.
He was placed on the IR for a minimum of four games the following Tuesday. Houston went 2-2 during its stretch without him, but improved to 3-0 in the division with a Week 8 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
.@lbg_nico7 spotted at practice 👀 pic.twitter.com/whvk7x7MRu
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 8, 2024
According to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, Collins has passed all tests related to his hamstring with “no setbacks.” He was activated off the IR Friday and did practice in a limited capacity.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the team would monitor Collins throughout the week, though he appeared to be “feeling good” after the initial diagnosis.
“Nico, he’s doing good,” Ryans said after practice Wednesday. “We’ll see where he ends up.”
Right now, it’s still unclear if the 25-year-old will play. He’s trending upward and would be a welcomed addition to an underwhelming passing game, but the decision will be up to the medical staff.
The Texans have 21 days to return Collins to the active roster after designating him to return from IR on Friday. For Sunday’s game, Houston must decide by the 3 p.m. deadline if it plans on activating him to the 53-man roster.
Will Nico Collins play Week 10 vs. Lions?
Collins might have practiced on Friday, but it’s more of a walkthrough than actual practice. Since he didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday, it’s to assume his status is questionable until further notice.
#Texans receiver Nico Collins back after being designated to return to practice today. pic.twitter.com/7WYeS0aL9x
— Sam Warren (@samwarren_3) November 8, 2024
If the Texans aren’t comfortable with bringing him back in Week 10, a return could be in play for the team’s Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. By all indications, Collins is closer to returning than he is to missing two consecutive games.
Texans WR depth chart
With Collins still sidelined and Diggs on the season-ending injured reserve, here’s a look at the Texans receiving depth chart entering Week 10.
- Tank Dell
- Robert Woods
- John Metchie III
- Xavier Hutchinson
- Steven Sims
Woods stepped up as the No. 2 option last week with two catches for 42 yards at MetLife Stadium. Metchie and Hutchinson combined for zero catches for seven targets.
Dell could be in line for another breakout game after hauling in six passes for 126 yards last Thursday. He’s off pace of duplicating his numbers from last year, but a strong outing Sunday evening could have him back in the running for a sophomore surge.
“I thought every week he has been open, we just have to find time to get it to him and I have to throw the right ball to get it to him,” Stroud said. “He is going to continue to do great.”
