Wednesday’s injury report revealed the Houston Texans may be compromised when they take on the Tennessee Titans Sunday at 3:05 p.m. Central Time from Nissan Stadium.
Second-year receiver Nico Collins did not practice as he deals with a groin injury that he sustained in the 38-20 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Collins only caught three passes for 33 yards, but the former third-rounder from Michigan has slowly progressed with 18 catches for 305 yards through six games.
“It’s tough,” quarterback Davis Mills told reporters Oct. 26. “I feel for Nico. He’s been playing extremely well. To go down, hopefully he’ll be back soon.”
Collins missed three games in his rookie season, and had a difficult time as a rookie with 33 catches for 446 yards and a touchdown.
If the Texans have to go without Collins against the Titans, Mills has some ideas.
“I think kind of replacing him by committee,” Mills said. “We’re going to have guys moving around and have a lot of guys making plays. We’re going to ask a lot from all of our receivers to fill that role, but I think the guys are ready to step up in that position. Not even just receivers.”
Tight end Jordan Akins was one of the “not even just receivers” who had an impact against the Raiders last week with three catches for 68 yards. If Collins isn’t able to go, Akins could step into the void and provide a valuable target for Mills.
Said Mills: “We are able to use tight ends in the different personnel packages to fill the gaps we need from losing Nico. I’m excited for it. I think a lot of guys are ready to step up and make plays.”
The Texans will need other playmakers to fill the void as Houston looks to avoid a 1-5-1 start. The Titans are in command of first place in the AFC South with a 4-2 record.