Nico Collins is back.
It’s for real this time and not a “wait and see” until Monday, either.
The Houston Texans leading receiver told reporters on Friday that he’s “for sure” 100% healthy and ready to play this week against the Dallas Cowboys. That notion was backed up by a healthy injury report, showing that Collins was a full participant.
“Getting Nico back is always very great for all of us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Thursday. “Nico’s been one of our best players when he was healthy, so it’s great to have him back, great to have his presence and the energy that he brings and also the playmaking ability that he brings.”
Collins, who broke out as C.J. Stroud’s top weapon in 2023, missed the last five games with a hamstring injury. While he was activated off the injured reserve last Friday, the Texans elected to hold him out for Sunday’s 25-23 loss against the Detroit Lions.
‘I feel like myself. It was hard on my mental’ #Texans wide receiver Nico Collins @lbg_nico7 emphasizes he’s 100 pct and ready for Monday night game against #Cowboys @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/BAVcZoGqgG
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 15, 2024
While back at practice, Collins did say this was the first week he felt like he was cleared to play.
“I feel like myself,” Collins said. “I feel like that’s a great progression. Just stacking days, I feel like I’ve been attacking the rehab. That’s all you can do. That’s what I’ve been doing. I’m feeling great.”
The Texans are adding Collins back at the right time. Currently on a two-game losing streak, Houston needs a win just to re-enter the “contender” conversation among AFC teams.
Collins was the backbone of Houston’s offense. Through the first five weeks, he led the NFL in receiving yards (567) and ranked third in receptions (32).
No one benefitted from his Collins more than Stroud, who ranked third in passing yards (1,385), 10th in touchdowns (seven) and 10th in QBR (66.2) entering Week 6.
Nico Collins IS practicing again. #Texans
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) November 15, 2024
In Collins’ absence, Stroud has regressed. In the past five games, the second-year passer has ranked 17th in yards (986), tied for 19th in touchdowns (5) and 25th in QBR (41.3).
“I am just happy for him to be back with the team, be a part of the locker room again,” Stroud said. “They are in solitude, when players are injured, they are on their own. So I am glad he is just able to be around the guys again and be able to do the sport that he loves to play.”
Once Collins went on the injured reserve, two-time All-Pro target Stefon Diggs stepped up as the new No. 1. That lasted for three weeks before he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.
WR Nico Collins has looked good in the limited practice I’ve seen. His cuts, his running. He looks comfortable.
He’ll be a big boost for Houston offense this week.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) November 15, 2024
Tank Dell and John Metchie III each have served as Stroud’s go-to weapon in losses, but Collins should alleviate the pressure of the duo as the new threat. Stroud mentioned how Collins’ presence opens up plays for both young targets in the passing game/
“They all lead off of him, Nico is that type of player,” Stroud said. “It will be exciting to have him back.”
Houston faces a struggling Dallas defense that ranks 31st in run defense (152.1 yards per game) and 31st in scoring (28.8 points per game).
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.