The Houston Texans are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football, which has the potential to be a preview of the Super Bowl. While the Texans will see the return of wide receiver Tank Dell, the status of Nico Collins remains uncertain as he might miss this week’s game due to lingering issues from a hamstring injury.
Collins, who had been sidelined for four games, was activated off injured reserve on Friday, allowing him a 21-day window to practice with the team. However, he was ultimately listed as questionable leading up to the game. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans provided a vague update, indicating that Collins had shown improvement but still needed time before he could return to action.
As of Sunday, Collins was declared inactive for the game, and the team is taking a cautious approach with their top receiver. Barring any setbacks in his recovery, there is optimism that he could return for the following week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
In the meantime, Tank Dell will step up to take on the primary receiving duties for quarterback C.J. Stroud against a formidable Lions secondary, known for its aggressive playing style but also for yielding penalties.
Collins has showcased impressive stats prior to his injury, leading the league in receiving yards with 567 and ranking high in both receptions and touchdowns. His return is highly anticipated as the Texans navigate what looks to be a pivotal stretch in their schedule.
In summary, while the Texans face some challenges with injuries, there is hope for a quick turnaround for Nico Collins. The team’s cautious approach signals a commitment to ensuring their players are fully ready to contribute when they return, and the potential for a solid performance from Dell in Collins’ absence may provide a boost to the Texans’ offense.