Tag: Texans 2024 football

Nico Collins injury update is great news for Texans entering Week 10 showdown

Nico Collins could be in line to play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions after returning to practice.

Nico Collins is finally back.

Well, he’s at least practicing for the first time in nearly a month.

The Houston Texans activated the fourth-year pass-catcher off the injured reserve Friday morning prior to pracitce.

They will have 21 days to either activate him to the 53-man roster or place him back on the IR.

Collins plans on playing the remainder of the regular season, including potentially on Sunday when Houston plays host to the Detroit Lions. As C.J. Stroud’s top target, the Texans need him back for the home stretch if they plan on securing a top-three seed in the AFC Playoffs.

While Collins hasn’t practiced the past two days, that doesn’t mean he won’t play at NRG Stadium in Week 10 as Houston debuts its new “Battle Red” jerseys. Twice players have missed practice and returned in time for kickoff.

Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi missed back-to-back practices with a shoulder injury in Week 7 before returning to take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

Tight end Dalton Schutlz missed two practices because of an ankle injury, yet still managed to suit up in Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears.

Just because Collins is cleared to practice doesn’t mean he’ll play, either. The Texans know their offense funnels through the vertical star who posted career numbers in 2023 as Stroud’s top target.

Any setback could cost them wins in favorable matchups against the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye week.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Collins was “doing good” leading up to Wednesday’s practice. The tean planned on monitoring him throughout the week before making a final deciscion.

Collins, who led the NFL in receving yards (567) and ranked third in receptions (32) before being injured, will test out the hamstring during Friday’s drills. Houston will have two days to decide if he’s healthy enough to play on Sunday against the NFC favorites in what could be a potential Super Bowl preview.

Even if Collins is out, it’s a significant step in the right direction, something needed for Houston entering the second half of the regular season.

Giants HC Brian Daboll praises Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr.

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. garnered praise from New York Giants coach Brian Dabboll following Saturday’s highlight performance.

Is Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in for an All-Pro year? That was already a possibility for the rising star of DeMeco Ryans’ defense heading into his second preseason outing.

Fully healthy, the former No. 3 overall pick seems poised for a career-defining year and plays like the one in Saturday’s 28-10 win over the New York Giants certainly backs that statement.

During the opening drive, Stingley nearly picked off a pass intended for rookie receiver Malik Nabers for an easy touchdown against Daniel Jones. A slight stutter left the ball on the ground, but Stingley knew he wouldn’t miss a second time if Jones tested him again.

Following a pick-six from Jalen Pitre, Jones tried to hit well-covered Jalin Hyatt toward the end zone to tie the game. Stingley, who was running stride for stride with the former Biletnikoff Award receiver, took the inside track to make a diving interception.

Giants coach Brian Daboll said postgame that while Jones made the correct read, Stingley made the better play.

“It was man-to-man high and Stingley made a good double move on there that turned into a go,” the third-year Giants coach said. “He left it a little bit inside on the right-hand side. Decision is fine but Stingley just made a nice play. We kind of left it inside on him.”

Stingley, who finished with a 97.5 grade from Pro Football Focus, has been on a warpath in just two brief instances. He’s played 23 total snaps and allowed zero completions while forcing two pass breakups and an interception.

Last season, Stingley lived up to his All-American billing from his time at LSU with five interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 11 games. He’s been one of the AFC’s top defensive backs when on the field, though injuries have hindered his All-Pro potential through two seasons.

If the Texans defender can remain off the injured reserve, he’s in for a career-defining campaign. Plays like the one on Saturday might be expected against quarterbacks like Jones, but they could become a common theme in coverage this fall, regardless of the passer.