Tag: Nico Collins

Titans’ Tony Pollard, Texans’ Joe Mixon top fantasy options in Week 12

The Titans and Texans face off in Houston on Sunday and both teams boast players who are worthy of starting on your fantasy rosters in Week 12.

The Tennessee Titans head to the Lone Star state on Sunday to face division rival Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans sit atop the AFC South division with ease and will likely have no issue making the playoffs. The Titans are third in the AFC South but have a division-heavy schedule to end the season which could change things a bit.

The Titans, while it’s been slow, are making progress and beginning to look better each week. There have been a lot of challenges and obstacles to overcome, but even in last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Titans looked better than they have all season.

This week, the Titans’ stout defense faces a dynamic Houston offense that is capable of making big plays. But the Houston defense isn’t as tough as some the Titans’ have faced recently, which provides an opportunity for Will Levis & Co. to move the ball down the field.

Let’s take a quick peek at the fantasy options these two teams provide in Week 12.

Despite missing time with an ankle injury, Joe Mixon has been lighting up the fantasy scoreboard. Last week against the Dallas Cowboys, he rushed for over 100 yards and three touchdowns, plus added two receptions for 44 more yards. He has exceeded 100 rushing yards in six of eight games with the Texans and has a total of 11 touchdowns this season. He is the eighth ranked running back in the league, despite missing time.

Against the Titans in Week 12, he is poised for another strong game. The Titans’ have allowed 13 scrimmage touchdowns to running backs, tied for fourth-most in the NFL. He’s not only going to get his ground yards this week, but he will find the end zone.

Tony Pollard is the Titans’ number one back. That’s not a secret and it’s not going to change anytime soon. Tyjae Spears has been a nice compliment to Pollard on the field, gaining solid yards when needed. But after the Titans’ loss to the Vikings on Sunday, Spears entered the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol. He remains questionable against the Texans, and in games when he hasn’t played, Pollard averages 24 touches per game. It’s still a tough matchup behind a flimsy offensive line, but Pollard will get his touches this week and could find the end zone at some point.

Prior to landing on injured reserve for five weeks with a hamstring injury, Nico Collins was taking the league by storm and sitting at the top of the receiver rankings. Since then, the rankings have changed without him on the field, but his return against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday definitely gave the team a boost. He was a bit rusty, which is expected, and the Titans’ secondary might prove to be a difficult matchup, but by the end of the game when the Titans’ defenders are fatigued, look for him to make his mark.

After DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, Calvin Ridley became the undisputed WR1. Over the last four games, he has 358 receiving yards and two touchdowns and would have had a third had it not been called back for a penalty last week. The Texans’ secondary allows the most touchdowns to wide receivers and gives up over 150 receiving yards per game to wideouts.

Will Levis looks much improved since his return as well, racking up 295 passing yards in Week 11, which bodes well for Ridley going forward. If Levis and Ridley can consistently be on the same page, it could prove to be a solid combination.

Let’s be real; the Titans’ offense is inconsistent at best. Yes, Will Levis played well last week, but on the road against a division rival? It’s going to be a tough test. The Texans’ defense is projected to have the second-most fantasy points in Week 12 behind the Denver Broncos, who are playing Las Vegas. Will Levis is likely to turn the ball over; he has only one game this season where he hasn’t thrown an interception. Plus, the Titans are still trying to find their footing during this rebuild, especially at the right tackle position. If the Texans attack from that side, they’ll have no trouble disrupting the Titans’ offense and having a nice fantasy outing this week.

Texans ready for return of WR Nico Collins for season’s second half

Nico Collins is back for the first time in five games for the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans are eight quarters and counting without a touchdown in the second half.

That should change with the return or Nico Collins.

The Texans will have their leading man back on the sidelines for the first time since Week 5 in Monday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Collins isn’t looking to ease his way back in, either.
There’s reasons to believe that No. 12 will be the No. 1 talking point of the Tuesday morning talk show circuits.

“In order to pick back up, I got to ball out when the ball touches my hands,” Collins said earlier this week. “When the ball is in the air, I have to do something with it.”

It’s a tale of two halves for Houston this season. With Collins in the lineup, the Texans sit at 4-1. With him out, they’re 2-3. They’ve also been outscored 74-39 in the second half since Week 6.

It’s also affected C.J. Stroud’s stat line. Before Collins’ injury, the Texans were sixth in total offense (376.6 yards per game) and fourth in passing. Stroud ranked third in passing yards (1,385), tied for 10th in touchdowns (seven) and 10th in QBR (66.2).

Over the past five games, the Texans rank 24th in total offense (299 yards per game) and 16th in scoring (20 points per contest). Stroud currently ranks 13th in passing (2,371) and 22nd in QBR (54.7).

“I am very excited to have my guy back,” Stroud said. “I am just happy for him to be back with the team, be a part of the locker room again. 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.”

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said earlier this week that Stroud needs to “cut it loose” on Monday night. That should be easier with the return of his No. 1 receiver.

Prior to the injury, Collins led the NFL with 567 receiving yards and ranked third in receptions with 32. By missing five games, his 113.4 yards per contest remains among the league’s best.

“Getting Nico back is always very great for all of us,” Ryans said. “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 and Stroud’s connection could be the x-factor down the stretch for Houston before the bye week. After traveling to Arlington, the Texans return home for an AFC South showdown against the Tennessee Titans. After that, they hit the road to take on the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars.

With three wins, the Texans would be back at 9-3 in the hunt for a top-three seed in the AFC, but everything starts with a win on Monday.

Everything ends with Collins crossing the goal line for the first time in a month.

“I feel like myself,” Collins said. “I’m feeling good.”

Is Nico Collins playing today? Injury news update for Texans wide receiver

Here’s the latest status for the Texans Nico Collins against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Houston Texans were all too happy to discover they were mining a diamond in the rough. All it took was the arrival of rookie quarterback CJ Stroud and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik in 2023 to uncover the massive potential of 2021 third-round wideout Nico Collins.

After two pedestrian seasons, Collins turned in an 80-catch, 1,296-receiving yard and eight touchdown campaign in the much ballyhooed third season of his career. The Texans went out and added Stefon Diggs this offseason and the attention he demanded vaulted Collins into a league-leading 113 yard-per-game stratosphere.

But that was before a hamstring injury sidelined Collins for the last five contests. The question is, will he be able to play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11?

The answer appears to be yes, as for the first time in over a month, Collins carries no game designation on the Texans’ final injury report of the week, released on Saturday.

With his expected return, the Texans will be a much more formidable offense for the Cowboys’ secondary to contend with. With Collins in the lineup, Houston averaged 272 passing yards a contest. In the five games without him, they’ve averaged just 165 passing yards per game, and that includes an appalling 55 yards in their Week 7 loss to Green Bay.

Since losing Collins, Slowik has focused on running the ball more, and that was taken to another level when they also lost Stefon Diggs to a torn ACL.

With Collins back, expect Trevon Diggs and Caelen Carson of the Cowboys to have their hands full, along with safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson.

Texans receive best news possible from WR Nico Collins entering Week 11

The Houston Texans have their No. 1 target back for Monday night’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Texans offense should turn corner with return of WR Nico Collins

The Texans are expecting to see wide receiver Nico Collins practice this week in preparation for their Lone Star showdown against the Cowboys.

Nico Collins should be ready on Monday night when the Houston Texans travel to Arlington to take on the Dallas Cowboys.

That’s perhaps the best news fans of the AFC South franchise could get after suffering a 26-23 loss in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions. Collins was cleared to return after being elevated off the injury report, but the Texans chose to leave him inactive.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said everything is fine with Collins’ progression and that the move was made at the final hour.

“No setback with Nico,” Ryans said Tuesday. “It was just a game-time decision.

Sitting at 6-4, the Texans need Collins. John Metchie III and Tank Dell have stepped up as the new top weapon in place of the injured Stefon Diggs over the past two games, but they are better served as secondary options.

Collins is a legitimate top threat in the pros. He’s coming off a nearly 1,300-yard season in 2023 while forming a bond with the rising Stroud.

Before suffering a hamstring strain that sidelined him for five games, the 6-foot-4 Collins was on pace for a record-setting season in franchise history. His 567 receiving yards led the NFL by a deep margin. He also ranked third nationally in catches with 32.

The Texans are expecting Collins not only back, but at full speed during practice this week. He was designated to return from injured reserve Friday and practiced for the first time in over a month, but the walk-through wasn’t enough to show Houston’s medical staff to clear him.

Ryans said Collins’ comeback isn’t just welcomed, but it’s impactful. The Texans are 2-3 without the 25-year-old in the lineup. Stroud’s passing numbers have also taken a hit, dropping from a 69% completion rate to 55% over the past five games.

“Before he was out, he was the top receiver in the league,” Ryans said. “I think any time you get him back, it’s going to help everybody.”

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

Who to take in Week 11 in your NFL survivor pool

Breaking down the best strategies of how to win your NFL survivor pool as the season continues into Week 11.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In Week 10 of the NFL regular season, things mostly went according to plan. In fact, we had just 5 underdogs win outright, and 3 of those teams were ‘dogs by 2 or fewer points.

If you picked against the Carolina Panthers in Germany against the New York Giants, or against the New England Patriots at the Chicago Bears, you were shown the door. Not that odds matter in survivor pools, but the Panthers were 6.5-underdogs, while the Patriots were 6-point ‘dogs.

In Week 10 of the USA TODAY NFL Survivor Pool contest, 7 more people were bumped off, leaving us with 26 of the 10,357 still alive for the prize of $5,000. The Bears eliminated 5 players, while the Giants caused another player to be eliminated. One other picked the Atlanta Falcons on the road against the New Orleans Saints.

As far as our 2 picks were concerned, the Minnesota Vikings weren’t pretty in Week 10, but they got the job done 12-7 on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It is always dicey taking a road team, but the Jags were starting backup QB Mac Jones for the injured QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder). Jones was awful, as expected, but so was the Minnesota offense.

With our other option, we backed the LA Chargers, using a tried-and-true strategy of picking against the Tennessee Titans. That’s been an ace lately.

Perusing the Week 11 slate, we have 6 teams favored by 6 or more points on Sunday and Monday, with 1 double-digit favorite, the Detroit Lions taking on the aforementioned Jags.

Follow the USA TODAY NFL Survivor Pool.

– Games Sunday and ET unless noted

The pick: Detroit Lions

Who they play: Home vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1 p.m. (CBS)

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NFL odds. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:16 a.m. ET.

  • Line: Lions -13 / Moneyline (ML): Lions -800 | Jaguars +550

The Detroit Lions (8-1) host the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) on Sunday at Ford Field in the D, and the Lions are the largest favorite on the board, laying 13 points.

We’ve yet to back the Lions with our primary option this season, although we did burn them in Week 8 with our secondary option against the woeful Titans. The Lions were also a 13-point favorite against Tennessee in that game, and Detroit won comfortably by a 52-14 score in the most recent home game. In fact, the Lions have won 7 in a row since their lone loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in Week 2.

Conclusion: DETROIT IS MY TOP SURVIVOR PLAY IN WEEK 11.

WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE!
The Huddle has been turning players like you into winners for over 25 years. This season, it’s your turn. Custom fantasy football rankings, sleepers and tools are just a click away. Save 25% off the Internet’s best-kept secret. Subscribe now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

No. 2 option: Houston Texans

Who they play: At Dallas Cowboys – 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)

  • Line: Texans -7.5 / ML: Texans -400 | Cowboys +310

The Houston Texans (6-4) are big favorites against the struggling Dallas Cowboys (3-6) for Monday Night Football.

The Cowboys will be without QB Dak Prescott for the remainder of the season due to a partially-torn hamstring, so QB Cooper Rush is expected to start for a second straight outing. He was abysmal last week against the Eagles, and QB Trey Lance didn’t do much when he was called upon.

The Texans lost a tight one against the Lions in a prime-time game, so they’re on nationally for a second consecutive week. Houston is expected to welcome back WR Nico Collins, which is a shot in the arm for the Texans offense which has been without Collins and WR Stefon Diggs, who is out for the season.

FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+

2024 survivor game log

NO. 1 OPTION

Week 1: LOSS – Patriots 16, Bengals 10
Week 2: LOSS – Falcons 22, Eagles 21
Week 3: LOSS – Panthers 36, Raiders 22
Week 4: WIN – 49ers 30, Patriots 13
Week 5: LOSS – Giants 29, Seahawks 20

Week 6: WIN – Eagles 20, Browns 16
Week 7: WIN – Commanders 40, Panthers 7
Week 8: LOSS – Browns 29, Ravens 24
Week 9: WIN – Chiefs 30, Buccaneers 24 (OT)
Week 10: WIN – Vikings 12, Jaguars 7

NO. 2 OPTION

Week 1: WIN – Saints 47, Panthers 10
Week 2: WIN – Chargers 26, Panthers 3
Week 3: LOSS – Giants 21, Browns 15
Week 4: WIN – Cowboys 20, Giants 15
Week 5: WIN – Commanders 34, Browns 13

Week 6: WIN – Falcons 38, Panthers 20
Week 7: WIN – Bills 34, Titans 10
Week 8: WIN – Lions 52, Titans 14
Week 9: WIN – Eagles 28, Jaguars 23
Week 10: WIN – Chargers 27, Titans 17

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

If you’re into online slots, including sports-themed games, then check out our guide and discover the best site for slot machines where you live.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Where are the Texans picking in the 2025 NFL draft after Week 10?

The Texans remain in the playoff hunt, but they’re inching closer to a higher draft pick following Week 10’s home loss against the Lions.

The Houston Texans are thinking of the postseason, but change is needed on the offensive line if the AFC South leaders plan on winning a Super Bowl.

After Kenyon Green suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 9’s 21-13 loss against the New York Jets, conversations began on the future of the left guard spot. Juice Scruggs was serviceable in a Week 10 loss against the Detroit Lions, but the former second-round pick is better suited to play center.

The same goes for Jarrett Patterson, who likely will remain the starting center moving forward into Week 11’s matchup on Monday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Interior offensive linemen usually fall in the draft, given their value compared to tackles. Barring a trade of four-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, Houston should be content with its book ends.

Either second-round pick Blake Fisher or veteran Tytus Howard should take over at right tackle in 2025.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension before the 2023 season, could also shift inside to guard, leaving a hole at right guard in place of the struggling Shaq Mason. Houston could part ways with the veteran lineman since he’ll be paid up on all his guaranteed money from the extension signed in 2023.

If the Texans target a lineman in the draft, defensive tackle, safety, and receiver could all be options in the first round.

Here’s a look at where the Texans are listed after the Week 9 loss and the full draft order projection from Talkathon:

  • Round 1, No. 20 overall
  • Round 2, No. 54 overall
  • Round 3, No. 85 overall
  • Round 4, No. 121 overall
  • Round 5, No. 166 overall (via BUF)
  • Round 7, No. 235 overall

All those numbers could improve if the Texans can respond on primetime against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium later this week. Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South and could be in line for the No. 3 if they finish with the same record as the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, given their head-to-head wins.

Houston should look better on offense with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who is expected to play this week after being activated off the injured reserve last weekend. The Texans could be without pass-rusher and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr., who left in the first half with an ankle injury against the Jets.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Will Nico Collins play this week? Latest injury updates for Texans WR

Nico Collins is dealing with a hamstring injury entering Monday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

As the Houston Texans prepare for their Monday night showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, they could be getting back a healthy target in the passing game.

Despite being activated off the injured reserve, wide receiver Nico Collins was ruled out for Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans gave an update Tuesday on Collins’ status heading into Week 11.

That’s the only question Texans fans alike will want answered ahead of their primetime clash at AT&T Stadium.

Nico Collins injury update

Collins, who missed the past four games with a hamstring injury, was officially designated to return on Friday. That opened a 21-day window during which Collins could practice with the Texans without taking up space on the team’s 53-man roster.

On Saturday, the Texans activated him to the 53-man roster but still listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game.  On Sunday, the Texans listed him as inactive, which factored into a three-point loss at home.

On Tuesday, Ryans said Collins would be a participant in practice.

“I anticipate him practicing,” Ryans said.

When will Nico Collins return?

Barring a setback, Collins should be cleared for Monday’s Lone Star showdown at AT&T Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys. Houston’s being patient with its No. 1 receiver, knowing its next three contests will bode in its favor of winning.

After facing off against the Cowboys, the Texans have back-to-back divisional games against the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Any time you get a starting receiver back and Nico, a guy who’s been – before he was out, he was the top receiver in the league,” Ryans said. “So, I think any time you get him back, it’s going to help everybody.”

Nico Collins stats

Collins, who last played in Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills, caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from Stroud in the first quarter before leaving for the remainder of the evening. He entered Week 5 as the NFL leader in receiving yards with 567. Collins also ranked third in catches with 32 and led the Texans with three receiving touchdowns.

Texans WR depth chart

Two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs is on the season-ending injured reserve, but here’s a look at the Texans receiving depth chart entering Week 11 now with Collins back. 

  • Nico Collins
  • Tank Dell
  • Robert Woods
  • John Metchie III
  • Xavier Hutchinson
  • Steven Sims

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik praised Dell’s performance after taking over as the leading receiver last Thursday.

Since Diggs’ departure, Dell has collected 10 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown on 13 targets.

“He took advantage of some matchups, and some plays worked out where we had given him plenty of opportunities in the last three or four weeks,” Slowik said. “Sometimes, you can’t control the coverage.” 

Metchie, a former second-round pick, could be in line for another breakout game after serving as Stroud’s top target in Sunday’s loss. He caught five passes for 74 yards and scored his first touchdown on a 1-yard pass with 12 seconds remaining in the first half.

“I’m just really proud of just his improvement and him taking the coaching, taking the practice to the field on Sunday,” Ryans said.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC. 

Opinion: It’s time for Texans to wave goodbye to OC Bobby Slowik

Should the Houston Texans consider pivoting from OC Bobby Slowik to QB coach Jerrod Johnson as play caller as their offense sputters?

Change might be needed in Houston.

One year after Bobby Slowik was anointed as the next great offensive coordinator and rising head coaching candidate, the Houston Texans’ second-year play-caller stands firmly in the crossfire.

Tensions have been building among fans for weeks, but it erupted to a point of no return following Sunday’s meltdown against the Detroit Lions. Houston failed to score in the second half, squandering a 23-7 lead in an eventual 26-23 loss.

In was expected to be a juggernaut, Houston’s offense looks like one of the league’s most disappointing units.

Following Sunday, the Texans rank 16th in EPA per pass at -0.04 and 23rd in passing efficiency at 41.1% despite being headlined by 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

They rank 28th in EPA per carry at -0.31 and 31st in rushing success rate at a measly 34.2% despite the surge of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon as the leading rusher.

Stroud’s sophomore season is approaching ‘slump’ territory under Slowik’s watch. The Ohio State product has regressed in completion percentage, passer rating, EPA per drop back and success rating.

Not only has Stroud struggled, he’s been sacked 34 times this season, only four fewer than reigning No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

The offensive line has factored into the failure — including regression from highly-paid members such as Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason —but Slowik sits core responsible for the unit he is in charge of coaching and coordinating on game day.

There’s no doubt that Slowik had a phenomenal debut in 2023. The former San Francisco 49ers assistant brought the core principles of the Kyle Shanahan scheme alongside detail-oriented, focused gameplans built around protecting and insulating his rookie quarterback.

The team flourished with game plans built around low-efficiency runs and max protection passes with long-developing route concepts. Texans Wire even named Slowik one of the 15 Most Impactful Texans of 2023.

Houston was able to find both explosive gains and play to the strength of their gritty defense as needed in 2023 with this formula. Stroud had firm guardrails to perform within and, combined with his talent, the team saw immediate explosive output and it was a huge part of their success last season.

It’s a factor as to why the Texans swung big in trades to land Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Mixon to accelerate an offense that already had the proverbial ‘engine’ needed for greatness.

Slowik’s second act in 2024 was expected to be one of evolution. Initially, the concept was built for a budding franchise star to facilitate as a point guard-esque distributor for a stacked supporting cast.

Instead, everything has sputtered.

Houston’s offense hasn’t evolved beyond the primary tenants many expected from San Francisco. What’s even worse is that it hasn’t established any unique identity of its own despite these unique talents available on offense.

The Texans remain a run-first offense that’s willing to accept an inefficient running game and, in that inefficiency, have become rather dependent on heroics from Stroud to bail them out.

These conservative tendencies have played a factor in the persona that is Houston’s happy being in games with top competitors rather than one that expects to win.

Confusing finishes against the Green Bay Packers and even electing for a long field goal against Detroit highlights a game plan built like a franchise without a premier quarterback.

What happens when a team is unable to pivot away from their structural inefficiencies?

What occurs when it’s unable to highlight its unique offensive talents or retain a large portion of its former identity?

Unfortunately, regression.

A year of film study has allowed teams to target their game plans toward Slowik’s tendencies and how Houston wants to win games. Whether that is predicting early-down runs or exploiting bad protection rules across a weak offensive line, teams have had far more success against the Texans offense and Stroud in 2024.

Slowik’s inability to evolve any of these components against the better-prepared competition is even further testimony to a unit that is struggling to adapt.

The Texans now feature an offense unable to structurally sound off on any singular thing worth merit. Their running game is inefficient. They’re unable to protect Stroud. The passing game often finds themselves in grossly unfavorable positions.

All of this is seemingly fueled by an offensive coordinator who doesn’t appear to have a direction for what this offense’s second act should be.

That doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. The Texans should improve with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards when placed on injured reserve last month. He provides an easy answer in the quick game, explosive plays vertically and consistency on screens functions as an extension of the run.

Still, it won’t fix the core issue that Slowik’s offense has encountered at this juncture: A lack of identity with minimal schematic diversity.

It’s for that reason that it’s time for Houston to consider a change at the top of their offensive coaching staff.

Quarterback coach Jerrod Johnson interviewed with several NFL teams for their offensive coordinator openings before ultimately electing to return to Houston. Coveted around the league, it was assumed that Johnson preferred to take the mantle in Houston following the 2024 season once Slowik departed for a potential head coaching position.

Johnson, a former quarterback, has experience under Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich. He’s also worked with Stroud since he was in high school and has served as his position coach in team meetings ever since he arrived in the building.

Coordinator changes are almost always driven by desperation. Unfair or not, Houston is in a desperate position now sitting at 6-4 with an apparent inability to compete with top contenders dwindling.

However, few teams have such a well-regarded and well-prepared candidate in-house.

In a season with Super Bowl aspirations, it’s time for the Texans to take their chances with their once-considered heir apparent at offensive coordinator. Johnson’s background and quarterback-centric approach could not only galvanize the locker room but stimulate more aggressive and more talent-friendly game plans for Houston’s offense.

Across the sidelines, Detroit once faced an uphill climb at offensive coordinator early in Dan Campbell’s tenure. He eventually elected to promote tight ends coach Ben Johnson as the new play-caller after the in-season demotion of offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn.

The rest has been history as Johnson remains the most sought-after candidate to take over a franchise for the second consecutive offseason.

It’s not ideal, but the Texans’ offense is approaching a point of desperation. Texans coach Demeco Ryans should consider whether he’s willing to endure another loss when his defense forces five interceptions.

The front office needs to consider if they’re willing to let an expensive 2024 offense go to waste on principal.

Sometimes, change is necessary. Fans soon will see if the Texans feel the same way.

Is Nico Collins playing tonight? Latest injury updates for Texans WR

Nico Collins is dealing with a hamstring injury entering Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.

The Houston Texans return home for Sunday Night Football in what could be a potential Super Bowl preview vs. the Detroit Lions. While the Texans will have Tank Dell back in the lineup, one player could be out for another week.

Despite being activated off the injured reserve, wide receiver Nico Collins was always going to be a game-time decision. Will the Texans’ top target be able to play in Week 10 against the NFC favorites?

That’s the only question Texans and Lions fans alike will want answered ahead of their primetime clash at NRG Stadium.

Nico Collins injury update

Collins, who missed the past four games with a hamstring injury, was officially designated to return on Friday. That opened a 21-day window during which Collins could practice with the Texans without taking up space on the team’s 53-man roster.

On Saturday, the Texans activated him to the 53-man roster, but still listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game. His status was always expected to be murky, especially given that he hadn’t gone through a full practice in nearly a month.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was noncommittal when questioned about the 25-year-old’s status for Sunday’s contest against the NFC North leaders.

“Nico, he’s doing good,” Ryans said after Wednesday’s practice. “We’ll see where he ends up.”

On Sunday, the Texans listed him as inactive. He’ll need a bit more time to recover before taking the field.

When will Nico Collins return?

Barring a setback, it’s expected that Collins will be cleared for Monday’s Lone Star showdown at AT&T Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys. Houston’s being patient with its No. 1 receiver, knowing its next three contests will bode in its favor.

Second-year receiver Tank Dell, who also appeared on the injury report with a back injury, is good to go. He’ll serve as the No. 1 weapon for C.J. Stroud against a pesky but penalty-riddled Lions’ secondary.

Nico Collins stats

Collins, who last played in Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills, caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from Stroud in the first quarter before leaving for the remainder of the evening. He entered Week 5 as the NFL leader in receiving yards with 567. Collins also ranked third in catches with 32 and led the Texans with three receiving touchdowns.

Texans WR depth chart?

With Collins sidelined and two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs on the season-ending injured reserve, here’s a look at the Texans receiving depth chart entering Week 10.

  • Tank Dell
  • Robert Woods
  • John Metchie III
  • Xavier Hutchinson
  • Steven Sims

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik praised Dell’s performance after taking over as the leading receiver last Thursday.

Since Diggs’ departure, Dell has collected 10 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown on 13 targets.

“He took advantage of some matchups, and some plays worked out where we had given him plenty of opportunities in the last three or four weeks,” Slowik said. “Sometimes, you can’t control the coverage.” 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.