Texans News
[the_ad id=”105842″]Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins left Monday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with a concussion and did not return. The Texans lost 27-19 at Lumen Field.
Collins sustained the injury in the fourth quarter when he fell hard while attempting to catch a back-shoulder throw from quarterback C.J. Stroud. The back of his head struck the turf on the play. Medical staff evaluated Collins in the blue medical tent before escorting him to the locker room. The team officially ruled him out with a concussion shortly after.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the injury after the game. “Nico is one of our best players,” Ryans said. “It’s concerning. Some things you can’t control and try to do the best you possibly can.”
Collins did not practice on Wednesday as he remains in the league’s five-step concussion protocol. He must complete all stages before receiving medical clearance to return. The Texans face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Week 8.
The timing creates challenges for Houston. The team played Monday night and will return to the field Sunday, giving Collins one fewer day than usual to progress through the protocol. Players typically begin practicing in some capacity by midweek when recovering from concussions. Collins’ absence from Wednesday’s practice raises questions about his availability for Sunday’s game.
Collins leads the Texans’ receiving corps this season with 26 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns through six games. He serves as Stroud’s primary target in an offense that ranks 21st in scoring. The fifth-year receiver from Michigan has established himself as one of the league’s top wideouts over the past two seasons.
The Texans may need to rely heavily on depth options if Collins cannot play. Xavier Hutchinson serves as the backup at left wide receiver behind Collins. Rookie Jayden Higgins starts at right wide receiver. Jaylin Noel provides additional depth. The team elevated Jared Wayne from the practice squad to the active roster on Tuesday.
Tight end Dalton Schultz could see increased targets in Collins’ absence. Schultz led the team with nine receptions for 85 yards in Monday’s loss to Seattle. The veteran provides a reliable option over the middle for Stroud.
Houston also continues to monitor the status of slot receiver Christian Kirk. Kirk missed the Seattle game with a hamstring injury that has bothered him throughout the season. He previously missed Weeks 1 and 2 with the same issue. Kirk’s availability for Week 8 remains uncertain.
The Texans enter their matchup with San Francisco carrying a 2-4 record. They have dropped four of their last five games after starting the season 0-3. Houston defeated Tennessee and Baltimore in Weeks 4 and 5 before the Week 6 bye.
Stroud completed 23 of 49 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against Seattle. He was sacked three times. The quarterback will need to adjust his approach if Collins misses time. The Texans will release their official injury designations later this week. Collins’ participation in Thursday and Friday practices will provide clearer indicators of his status for Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
Fantasy Impact
In a week with this many teams on bye, beggars can’t be choosers. Xavier Hutchinson will see an increase in targets; whether they translate into something big, we’ll have to see. But if you need a flex player, he might just have to do.
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