The Houston Texans are set to host the Detroit Lions in a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup, which some consider a potential Super Bowl preview. The Texans are excited to welcome back wide receiver Tank Dell, but there is uncertainty surrounding another key player, Nico Collins.
Collins, who has been sidelined for the past four games due to a hamstring injury, was activated off the injured reserve on Friday, opening a 21-day window for him to practice without occupying a roster spot. Despite being added to the 53-man roster on Saturday, he was labeled as questionable for the game. Given his lack of full practice in almost a month, his game status remained uncertain.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans described Collins’ progress as positive during the week, but he remained cautious when discussing his availability. Ultimately, Collins was ruled inactive for the showdown against the Lions, indicating he still needs time to recover.
Looking ahead, there is optimism that Collins will be ready to play in the following game against the Dallas Cowboys, provided he does not experience any setbacks. The Texans are playing it safe with their top receiver, especially as they have a favorable schedule in the coming weeks.
On a brighter note, Tank Dell will step up as the primary target for quarterback C.J. Stroud in the absence of Collins, providing him an opportunity to showcase his talent against a challenging Lions secondary.
Collins had a strong start to the season, leading the NFL in receiving yards and showcasing his potential with impressive statistics, including a 67-yard touchdown reception before his injury.
This situation highlights the depth of the Texans’ receiving corps and the potential for a strong return from Collins that could further bolster the team’s attack in this season, raising hopes among fans for a successful playoff run.