The Houston Texans have entered a challenging phase as they approach Week 6 of the NFL season. Their star wide receiver, Nico Collins, sustained a hamstring injury during the Texans’ Week 5 clash against the Buffalo Bills, and his absence is likely to affect the team’s offensive strategy in the coming weeks. Head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged that hamstring injuries are typically
unpredictable and tend to be handled on a week-to-week basis, further complicating Houston’s game plan. As a result, the Texans must now brace for a stretch of games without one of their best pass-catchers, making Collins’ injury a pivotal moment for the team’s season.
Nico Collins Injury: A Blow to Houston’s Offense
Nico Collins has quickly established himself as a key offensive weapon for the Texans, becoming one of the most consistent pass-catchers in the league. However, during the Week 5 game against Buffalo, Collins sustained a hamstring injury that could keep him out for multiple games. As of October 9, 2024, Collins was officially placed on injured reserve (IR), meaning he will miss at least four games before being eligible to return.
This development is a major blow for Houston. Collins will be unavailable for the Texans’ matchups against the Patriots (Week 6), Packers (Week 7), Colts (Week 8), and Jets (Week 9). If he recovers on schedule, the earliest he could return would be in Week 10, when Houston faces the Detroit Lions. His absence places additional pressure on Houston’s receiving corps and quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will need to adjust to life without their top receiver for the foreseeable future.
Texans’ Depth Chart Without Collins: Who Will Step Up?
The Texans have a solid group of wide receivers, but Collins’ injury forces them to reshuffle their depth chart. Here’s a closer look at the key players who will need to fill the void:
Stefon Diggs – Traded to Houston in April 2024, Diggs has already made a significant impact. However, with Collins sidelined, Diggs will have to take on an even bigger role as the Texans’ WR1. His experience and ability to create separation will be crucial in helping Houston’s passing attack stay productive.
Tank Dell – Dell had a promising rookie season, but his sophomore year has been marred by a leg fracture and some struggles in reconnecting with quarterback C.J. Stroud. With Collins out, Dell could see an increased target share and an opportunity to regain the explosive form he showed early in his career.
Xavier Hutchinson – Hutchinson has been a part of Houston’s offensive plans, and with Collins out, he is likely to see more action. His size and athleticism make him a reliable option in the passing game, and the Texans will be counting on him to make key plays.
Robert Woods – The veteran presence of Woods on the roster is valuable for moments like this. His route-running precision and experience in big games make him a steady option for Stroud. Expect Woods to take on a larger role in the offense during Collins’ absence.
John Metchie III – Metchie, known for his speed and agility, has primarily contributed on special teams but may now get more opportunities in the offense. This could be a breakout moment for him to prove his value as a deep-threat receiver.
Steven Sims – Sims is primarily a special teams contributor, but he could see some snaps on offense in more specialized packages. His versatility could be an asset as the Texans look for creative ways to offset Collins’ absence.
The Impact of Collins’ Injury on C.J. Stroud
Collins’ injury doesn’t just affect the receiving corps—it also has significant implications for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The chemistry between Stroud and Collins had been a bright spot in the Texans’ season, with Collins proving to be one of the most reliable targets in the passing game. Now, Stroud will need to adapt quickly and find other trusted targets to move the ball down the field.
Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell are the most likely candidates to take on a larger share of the workload, but Stroud will need to spread the ball around to maintain balance in the offense. The young quarterback has already shown promise in his debut season, but this stretch without Collins will test his ability to lead the team through adversity.
Texans’ Schedule Without Collins: Can Houston Survive?
The Texans’ upcoming schedule is challenging, and without Collins, the road becomes even tougher. Houston will face:
Week 6: New England Patriots – Bill Belichick’s defense is known for stifling opposing quarterbacks, and without Collins, Houston’s passing attack may struggle to gain traction against the Patriots’ well-coached secondary.
Week 7: Green Bay Packers – The Packers boast a solid defense, and Houston will need to rely on Diggs and Dell to step up. Collins’ absence could lead to more pressure on the Texans’ run game to alleviate some of the strain on Stroud.
Week 8: Indianapolis Colts – A divisional matchup is always critical, and Collins’ absence could tilt the balance in the Colts’ favor. Houston’s defense will need to be strong to compensate for the offensive challenges.
Week 9: New York Jets – The Jets have one of the top defenses in the league, making this game a daunting task for the Texans. Without Collins, Houston will need to execute a flawless game plan to avoid falling behind.
The Texans’ season could hinge on how well they navigate these games without their top receiver. If they can manage to stay competitive and pick up a couple of wins, Collins’ return in Week 10 could provide the boost they need to make a playoff push.
Conclusion: How Will the Texans Cope Without Nico Collins?
Nico Collins’ hamstring injury is a significant setback for the Texans as they prepare for a challenging stretch of games. His absence leaves a void in the offense that will be difficult to fill, but the Texans have a deep roster of receivers who will need to step up in his absence.
Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and others must take on greater roles, while quarterback C.J. Stroud will need to adapt quickly without his favorite target. Houston’s ability to navigate these next few weeks without Collins could define their season.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Nico Collins’ Injury
1. How long will Nico Collins be out?
Nico Collins is expected to miss a minimum of four games after being placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.
2. When can Collins return to the Texans’ lineup?
The earliest Collins can return is in Week 10 when the Texans face the Detroit Lions.
3. How will the Texans replace Collins in the offense?
Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, and other receivers will need to step up to fill the void left by Collins’ absence.
4. What impact will Collins’ injury have on C.J. Stroud?
Without Collins, C.J. Stroud will need to rely more on other receivers, which could affect his passing efficiency and overall performance.
5. How have the Texans performed without Collins so far?
The Texans have yet to play without Collins this season, but his absence will likely make their upcoming games more challenging.