Nico Collins is eligible to come off the injured reserve just in time for the Houston Texans’ Week 10 showdown against the Detroit Lions.
Will he? According to one report, it’s possible.
According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Collins has passed multiple tests for his hamstring injury suffered against the Buffalo Bills with zero setbacks. He’s also regained his speed and mobility, running up to 20 mph on the treadmill.
Houston, which is coming off a 21-13 loss against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, needs to find a stable No. 2 weapon.
Tank Dell took over as the team’s top weapon, hauling in six passes for 126 yards, but he struggled while working behind Stefon Diggs in Collins’ absence.
#Texans WR1 Nico Collins has passed all tests for hamstring, no setbacks, per league sources, regained speed, mobility, ready to go. Matter of when, not if he’ll be designated for return. Team still determining if activating him for #Lions game. Might not practice today. @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 6, 2024
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the team would “monitor” Collins throughout the week before determining if he’s ready to come off the injured list. The fourth-year pass-catcher didn’t practice Wednesday.
Once the Texans activate Collins’ 21-day window, they’ll have time to rest the hamstring before reaching a decision. If all goes according to plan, Houston could have Collin back no later than Monday night’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
‘Nico (Collins) is doing good, we’ll see where he ends up. Same with Will (Anderson Jr.) #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 6, 2024
Before leaving against the Bills, Collins was leading the NFL with 567 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He also ranked third in receptions with 32 and was averaging 18.9 yards per catch.
Much like when Joe Mixon was sidelined, Houston’s offense has been built around a consistent focal point. Collins, who signed a three-year extension in the offseason, finished with three outings of at least 100 yards and six catches during Mixon’s absence.
Since his departure, the Texans have leaned on Mixon, who recently became the team’s first running back since Arian Foster to rush for over 100 yards and at least one touchdown in four consecutive games.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.
