(This story was updated to add new information.)
Nico Collins is back.
The Houston Texans officially activated the fourth-year pass-catcher injured reserve to the active roster, the team announced Saturday. As a result, the Texans have waived former cornerback D’Angelo Ross.
We have activated Nico Collins and Jerry Hughes from the Reserve/Injured list and made other roster moves. pic.twitter.com/JP9c2lUA3z
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 9, 2024
While Collins might be on the active roster, the Texans are listing him as questionable for Sunday’s primetime matchup against the Detroit Lions. Should he pass all the tests during pregame drills, Collins is expected to play as the team debuts their new “Battle Red” jerseys.
Collins, who’s missed the past four games, would be a welcomed addition to the passing game now with Stefon Diggs on the injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8.
Before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5’s win over the Buffalo Bills, Collins led the league with 567 receiving yards. He also ranked third with 32 catches and led the Texans with three touchdowns.
During the first quarter of Week 5’s outing, Collins came up pulling his leg after scoring on a 67-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud. He immediately headed to the locker room and did not return. On Wednesday, the Texans placed on the injured reserve, sidelining him through October.
While the Texans still have problems on the offensive line, adding a second target alongside Tank Dell could upgrade C.J. Stroud’s tempo when facing a potent Lions’ pass rush. Last week against the New York Jets, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year was sacked a career-high eight times.
I’m no medical expert, but Nico Collins is already dancing the simplest of dances 300% better than a fully healthy and moderately buzzed Seth Payne.
pic.twitter.com/qz96oldysB— Seth Payne (@SethCPayne) November 8, 2024
Dell was the only consistent weapon, totaling six catches for 126 yards. John Metchie III, Cade Stover and Xavier Hutchinson didn’t record a reception on 11 targets.
The Texans are being cautious with Collins’ return. He returned to practice on Friday for the first time in nearly a month, but the final day of the week is more of a walk-through.
Even if Collins were to be active, it’s hard to imagine him as a focal point of the passing game in the same fashion as before the injury. Dell should remain the go-to weapon, but Collins’ impact on the field would take pressure away from the second-year target.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.