Nico Collins exited Sunday’s AFC match between the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills due to a hamstring injury.
Collins, who was the NFL’s leading receiver, sought medical attention in the first half and later went to the locker room for further assessment. Initially labeled as questionable, he was ultimately ruled out by halftime.
Despite Collins’ departure, the Texans triumphed 23-20 with a 59-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn as time ran out.
Before leaving, Collins had already made an impact, catching a 67-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud late in the first quarter, extending the Texans’ lead to 14-3. He contributed two receptions for a total of 78 yards and the touchdown, marking his third score of the season.
In the 2023 season, Collins has been a standout performer for Houston, entering the game with an impressive 489 receiving yards on 30 catches, continuing his trend from a strong 2022 season where he recorded 80 catches, 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns.
His injury poses a challenge for the Texans, but the team has depth at receiver with talents like four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs and second-year player Tank Dell, who had already become a key target for Stroud in his rookie season.