Nico Collins should be ready on Monday night when the Houston Texans travel to Arlington to take on the Dallas Cowboys.
That’s perhaps the best news fans of the AFC South franchise could get after suffering a 26-23 loss in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions. Collins was cleared to return after being elevated off the injury report, but the Texans chose to leave him inactive.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said everything is fine with Collins’ progression and that the move was made at the final hour.
“No setback with Nico,” Ryans said Tuesday. “It was just a game-time decision.
Sitting at 6-4, the Texans need Collins. John Metchie III and Tank Dell have stepped up as the new top weapon in place of the injured Stefon Diggs over the past two games, but they are better served as secondary options.
#Texans Nico Collins is expected to play this week. pic.twitter.com/TAxthkz0Bb
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) November 12, 2024
Collins is a legitimate top threat in the pros. He’s coming off a nearly 1,300-yard season in 2023 while forming a bond with the rising Stroud.
Before suffering a hamstring strain that sidelined him for five games, the 6-foot-4 Collins was on pace for a record-setting season in franchise history. His 567 receiving yards led the NFL by a deep margin. He also ranked third nationally in catches with 32.
The Texans are expecting Collins not only back, but at full speed during practice this week. He was designated to return from injured reserve Friday and practiced for the first time in over a month, but the walk-through wasn’t enough to show Houston’s medical staff to clear him.
Ryans said Collins’ comeback isn’t just welcomed, but it’s impactful. The Texans are 2-3 without the 25-year-old in the lineup. Stroud’s passing numbers have also taken a hit, dropping from a 69% completion rate to 55% over the past five games.
#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said that WR Nico Collins will practice this week.
The expectation is that he will be back for MNF against the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/ex92jfE4qy
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) November 12, 2024
“Before he was out, he was the top receiver in the league,” Ryans said. “I think any time you get him back, it’s going to help everybody.”
Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.
