Nico Collins Designated for Return from IR by Texans amid Hamstring Injury Rehab

Jack MurrayNovember 8, 2024

Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Houston Texans could have wide receiver Nico Collins back in the lineup as soon as Sunday night.

Collins has been listed as questionable for the matchup with the Detroit Lions after the wide receiver had been designated for return by the Texans on Friday.

Houston Texans @HoustonTexansNico Collins has been Designated for Return/Returned to practice and we have made another roster move. pic.twitter.com/a0llsqDsze

Collins has not played since Oct. 6 when he went on injured reserve for a hamstring injury. The decision to elevate him now opens his 21-day window to return to the lineup.

Houston Texans @HoustonTexans.@lbg_nico7 spotted at practice 👀 pic.twitter.com/whvk7x7MRu

Collins reportedly “passed a regimen of tests” this week, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC Houston, so his upgrade could signal potential availability for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

Collins has recorded 32 catches for 567 yards and three touchdowns in five games for Houston in 2024 and was leading the NFL in receiving yards prior to the injury. Despite missing four games, Collins still 14th in the league and receiving yards and would provide Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud a major boost after Houston lost wide receiver Stefon Diggs for the season with a torn ACL.

Houston is currently 6-3 and holds a comfortable lead for first place in the AFC South. However, the team has lost two of their last three matchups and Collins’ return would be a big boost for the rest of the season.