Nico Collins’ absence was felt by the Houston Texans’ offense during Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills, but it might not be for long.
According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Collins could be back next weekend when the Texans take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Collins, who picked up 78 yards on yards on two catches, suffered a hamstring injury on a 67-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter with 1:34 remaining.
Optimism with #Texans that wide receiver Nico Collins and offensive tackle Tytus Howard hamstring injuries are short-term and could be back as soon as next week against #Patriots per league sources @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 6, 2024
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with Collins for a touchdown to put the Texans up 14-3. The fourth-year pass-catcher limped to the sidelines and went into the blue medical before heading to the locker room for further evaluation.
Entering Sunday’s game, Collins led the league with 489 yards off 30 catches. After the pair of receptions, his number went up to 567 yards.
Barring an injury, Collins is on pace for 128 catches for 2,078 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s been Stroud’s go-to guy through guy, as his volume of targets only continues to expand with each game.
In last week’s against over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Collins caught 12 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown performance on 15 targets to secure the 24-20 victory.
C.J. STROUD 67-YARD DIME TO NICO COLLINS 🎯
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/QwShMEO3ut
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 6, 2024
If Collins can’t go, Houston still has a 1-2 combination in Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, plus tight end Dalton Schultz. In his first game against his former team, Diggs finished with a team-leading six catches for 82 yards.
Dell, who missed last week’s game against the Jaguars, caught four balls for 38 yards.
Kickoff next week is scheduled for noon CT.
