Texans’ Nico Collins Activated Off IR; Questionable vs. Lions with Hamstring Injury

Zach BacharContributor INovember 9, 2024

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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has a chance to play in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions after the team activated him off injured reserve on Saturday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Houston Texans @HoustonTexansWe have activated Nico Collins and Jerry Hughes from the Reserve/Injured list and made other roster moves. pic.twitter.com/JP9c2lUA3z

ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Collins is listed as questionable on the Texans’ injury report.

The 25-year-old was in the midst of a breakout 2024 season, establishing himself as one of the most productive receivers in the NFL as well as a top fantasy wideout.

Collins missed each of Houston’s past four games after suffering a hamstring injury during the Texans’ 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 6.

He was designated to return to practice on Friday and was listed as a limited participant.

Collins was off to a strong start through five appearances, as his 567 receiving yards represented the highest mark in the NFL at the time of his injury. He also recorded 32 catches and found the end zone three times.

B/R Gridiron @brgridironWHAT A CATCH BY NICO COLLINS 🤯

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/XbrrBxUPEw

While the Texans finished with a modest 2-2 record in the four games he missed and still own the top spot in the AFC South at 6-3 overall, quarterback C.J. Stroud’s production noticeably declined without Collins.

In five games prior to the injury, Stroud completed 68.9 percent of his throws and averaged 277 passing yards per game. In four appearances without Collins, the Pro Bowl signal-caller has completed just 55.5 percent of his passes while recording 188.5 yards per game through the air.

While Collins may see a reduced role if he’s able to play against Detroit, he should remain a staple of fantasy lineups for the rest of the season. He’ll continue to operate as a key piece in Houston’s offense, especially after star receiver Stefon Diggs suffered a torn ACL during the Texans’ Week 8 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

If he suits up, he could be in line for another impressive performance. Despite the Lions’ 7-1 record, they own the fourth-worst pass defense in the NFL.

Kickoff for Sunday’s matchup is at 8:20 p.m. ET.