The Houston Texans received encouraging news on Friday as star wide receiver Nico Collins returned to practice after a four-week absence due to a hamstring injury. Collins, who was leading the NFL in receiving yards before his injury in Week 5, has been designated to return from injured reserve. However, his status for the Texans’ Sunday Night Football showdown against the Detroit Lions remains questionable.
Collins’ Potential Impact on Texans Offense
Prior to his injury, Collins was in the midst of a breakout season, amassing a league-leading 567 receiving yards through the first five weeks. His presence on the field provided a significant boost to the Texans’ passing attack, which has struggled in his absence. Over the past four games, Houston has averaged just 158 passing yards per game, ranking 30th in the NFL during that span.
The potential return of Collins could not come at a better time for the Texans, who are also dealing with the loss of All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a season-ending knee injury. Diggs, who suffered the injury in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, leaves a significant void in the Texans’ receiving corps.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud’s Recent Struggles
The absence of both Collins and Diggs has had a noticeable impact on second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud’s performance. Over the last four weeks, Stroud ranks 17th in passing yards (754), 19th in touchdowns (4), and 18th in completion percentage (55%). These numbers are a significant drop-off from his production during the first five weeks of the season when he had Collins as a primary target.
In the first five weeks with Collins, Stroud was third in yards (1,385), tied for 10th in touchdowns (7), and 10th in passer rating (98.2).
– According to a close source
Texans’ Playoff Push and Injury Concerns
As the Texans (6-3) prepare for their crucial matchup against the Lions (7-1), they find themselves in the thick of the AFC playoff race. A win on Sunday night would not only bolster their postseason chances but also serve as a statement victory against one of the NFC’s top teams. However, the Texans will need to navigate through several key injuries to secure the win.
In addition to Collins’ questionable status, rookie receiver Tank Dell is also listed as questionable with a back injury. Dell, who has emerged as a reliable target in the absence of Collins and Diggs, was limited in Friday’s practice. On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans will be without rookie sensation Will Anderson, who has recorded 7.5 sacks this season. Anderson suffered an ankle sprain in last week’s loss to the New York Jets and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Lions Present Formidable Challenge
The Detroit Lions enter Sunday’s matchup with a 7-1 record, tied for the best in the NFC. Led by a high-powered offense featuring quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions have averaged 28.8 points per game, fourth-best in the NFL. The Texans’ defense, which has allowed an average of 23.7 points per game (18th in the NFL), will need to be at its best to slow down the Lions’ attack.
On the other side of the ball, the Lions’ defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 18.6 points per game (5th in the NFL). The potential return of Collins could provide a much-needed spark for the Texans’ offense as they face one of the league’s top defensive units.
Week 10 Implications and Beyond
As the NFL season reaches its midway point, the Texans find themselves in a battle for playoff positioning in the highly competitive AFC. A victory over the Lions would not only improve their record to 7-3 but also provide a signature win against a top-tier opponent. With a favorable schedule down the stretch, which includes matchups against the struggling Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans have a prime opportunity to secure a postseason berth.
The return of Nico Collins, even if limited, could provide the boost the Texans need to elevate their passing game and keep pace with the high-powered offenses they will face in the coming weeks. As the team navigates through injuries and the challenges of a grueling NFL season, the potential impact of Collins’ return cannot be overstated.
Sunday night’s showdown against the Lions will serve as a litmus test for the Texans’ resilience and ability to compete with the league’s best. With the bright lights of primetime shining upon them, the Texans have an opportunity to make a statement and solidify their position as a legitimate contender in the AFC.
