Regardless of a disappointing loss to the Jets, the Texans have cause to be hopeful in regards to the future. Extensive receiver Nico Collins is anticipated to return to the lineup in Week 10.
Collins was placed on injured reserve after injuring his hamstring in Week 5, sidelining him till no less than Week 9. The Texans anticipated him to be “able to go” after these 4 weeks off, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
After taking part in on Thursday evening, Houston now has a mini-bye with 10 days earlier than their subsequent recreation, a Sunday evening matchup in opposition to the Lions. The staff has “nice optimism” that Collins will return for that recreation, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Collins’ return couldn’t come at a greater time for a Texans offense that misplaced Stefon Diggs to a season-ending ACL tear. Towards the Jets, C.J. Stroud solely accomplished 11 of his 30 passing makes an attempt — a career-low 36.7% completion proportion — for 191 yards and nil touchdowns, taking eight sacks. Houston’s lackluster offensive line was actually a consider Stroud’s struggles, however he lacked one other constant receiving goal outdoors of Tank Dell.
Regardless of his prolonged absence, Collins nonetheless ranks ninth within the NFL in receiving yards, averaging 113.4 yards per recreation earlier than his damage. With greater than every week to ramp up his participation in follow, the fourth-year receiver ought to be capable to hit the bottom operating in Week 10.
Diggs’ damage stirred hypothesis that the Texans might become involved within the NFL’s lively large receiver commerce market. Diggs’ 496 receiving yards accounted for 23.1% of Stroud’s manufacturing this yr, and any setback to Collins would depart Dell and Dalton Schultz — who’ve mixed for simply 72.1 yards per recreation — because the staff’s prime two targets. No different receiver has greater than 100 yards this season, however the Texans really feel assured that Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and John Metchie can all step up if wanted.
Nevertheless, in accordance with Breer, Houston made “some cursory calls to groups procuring receivers” after Diggs tore his ACL, indicating that they may add a wideout earlier than the deadline if the worth is true. A Day 3 pick swap like the Ravens used to acquire Diontae Johnson may usher in sufficient expertise with out sacrificing an excessive amount of future draft capital.