The Texans have a three-headed monster in their receiving corps, but Nico Collins has made it clear early this season that he's still C.J. Stroud's favorite target.
Collins posted 100-yard performances in three of his first four games, and he came out with momentum again on Sunday with a 67-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter against the Bills.
Houston further cemented itself as one of the AFC's top contenders with a win over Buffalo on Sunday afternoon. But Stroud had to push for the win without Collins, who went back to the locker room in the first half, raising serious concern about his status for the coming few weeks — and how that impacts the Texans' passing game going forward.
Here are the latest updates on Collins' injury and a potential timetable for his return.
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Nico Collins injury update
Collins went back to the locker room with a hamstring injury, according to the Texans. He was later ruled out for the rest of the game.
Collins spent a few minutes in the blue medical tent before walking to the locker room, confirming fears that his injury evaluation might be more than just a precaution. The injury appeared to occur on Collins' early touchdown, which gave the Texans a 14-3 lead.
UNREAL 🤯
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 6, 2024
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/JPc7jmOmWk
The 25-year-old entered Week 5 as easily the NFL's leader in receiving yards, and he flashed his remarkable connection with Stroud again early in the game against the Bills. His absence allowed Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell to take on even more prominent roles in the passing game, and RB Dare Ogunbowale also saw three early targets from Stroud.
The Texans were battling one of the better teams in the AFC and could use every win they can get if they want to fight for seeding late in the season, but it was no surprise to see them be ultra cautious with Collins knowing his value to their offense.
Collins wasn't able to return, but the Texans were still able to pick up a big win. Houston beat Buffalo 23-20 to move to 4-1 on the season.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Collins' issue is "day-to-day." However, he added the Texans — set to bring back of host of offensive weapons, including star tailback Joe Mixon — could have to prepare for the possibility of Collins "missing some time."
It was reported that Collins was day-to-day, but the Texans wasted little time in downgrading that to week-to-week. This doesn't mean that Collins has been ruled out for Houston's next game against the New England Patriots, but more so that for now we can anticipate that it isn't as mild of an injury.
Texans now have changed Nico Collins’ injury designation from “day to day” to “week to week”, a sign that it could be tough for the WR to return in time for Sunday’s game at New England.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2024
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans describes standout WR Nico Collins as week-to-week with his hamstring injury, an indication he’ll miss some time.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2024
“It takes a couple of weeks for a hamstring.”
Texans WR depth chart
| WR | Player |
| 1 | Nico Collins |
| 2 | Stefon Diggs |
| 3 | Tank Dell |
| 4 | Robert Woods |
| 5 | John Metchie |
| 6 | Xavier Hutchinson |
Fantasy owners questioned how much usage Collins would receive with Diggs added to the mix and Dell healthy after missing the end of his rookie season, but the former Michigan standout has reinforced his status as Stroud's top target this season.
Collins entered Week 5 leading the Texans in targets and catches, and his 489 yards were more than double Houston's second-leading receiver.
Diggs has received much more usage than Dell, who had just nine catches over his first three games, and few other wide receivers have gotten involved for Houston this season. Robert Woods, John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson entered Week 5 with a combined five catches on the season, but each could see more targets if Collins misses any time.
