As the Houston Texans gear up to face the Detroit Lions in Week 10, the team is navigating a mix of anticipation and concern. Much of this centers around wide receiver Nico Collins, who, despite being activated from injured reserve earlier this week, will not be suiting up against the Lions. Collins has been on a rocky road to recovery since a hamstring injury sidelined him in the Texans' Week 5 clash with the Buffalo Bills.
The absence of Collins, who was initially considered “week to week” according to Texans’ head coach DeMeco Ryans, has been palpable. Until his unfortunate setback, Collins was a standout performer, leading the NFL with 567 receiving yards through three touchdowns amassed over 32 receptions. His streak of 25-yard receptions in eight consecutive games is a remarkable achievement—the longest in the Texans' burgeoning franchise history.
Since Collins' injury, the Texans have seen fluctuating fortunes on the field with a 2-2 record. Notably, they suffered a 21-13 loss to the New York Jets on Halloween night, a harsh reminder of how pivotal Collins’ presence can be. While the Texans can boast being the only team in the AFC South with a winning record, Collins’ absence has notably impacted their offensive firepower.
The dynamic between Collins and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been integral to the Texans’ success. When Collins has been active, Stroud has averaged an impressive 277 passing yards per game. In contrast, this number drops sharply to 189 yards per game when Collins does not take the field. The statistical drop-off is a testament to Collins’ role as a critical piece of the Texans’ offensive puzzle.
Despite being sidelined, Collins re-joined practice this week, a positive sign for fans and teammates alike. However, the decision to keep him out of the lineup indicates a cautious approach by the Texans to ensure his complete recovery before returning to action. As the team prepares for their upcoming challenge against the Lions, the hope is not just to secure a victory, but also to guarantee Collins’ long-term health and availability for the pivotal fixtures that lie ahead.
The Texans are also grappling with other challenges. Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL sustained in Week 8. This development makes Collins’ eventual return even more vital for the Texans’ aspirations this season. While the team has managed to stay afloat without these key players, reinforcements are sorely needed as the competition intensifies.
As Houston eyes the midway point of the NFL season, the stakes are rising. The potential return of Nico Collins could provide the spark needed to propel the Texans from contenders to true division powerhouses. Until then, the rest of the squad needs to step up, filling the void left by their influential wide receiver.
The Texans’ roster adjustments and strategies in the coming weeks will greatly influence their bid for postseason success. For now, all eyes are on their matchup with the Lions, where a win without Collins would boost the team’s confidence and keep them atop the fiercely competitive AFC South.