The Detroit Lions may need to prepare for the return of Houston Texans’ top wide receiver, Nico Collins, in their upcoming matchup at NRG Stadium. On Friday, the Texans designated Collins for return, allowing him to rejoin practice after missing several weeks due to a hamstring injury. This move initiates a 21-day window in which Collins can practice without counting towards the Texans’ active roster. During this period, Houston must either activate Collins for game play or keep him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
It remains uncertain if Collins will be ready to play on Sunday against Detroit. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has kept Collins’ status under wraps, not offering a clear indication of whether the receiver will be activated for the game.
Collins, who played for Michigan in college, led the NFL with 567 receiving yards before sustaining the hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. In that game, he recorded an impressive 78 yards on two catches, including a touchdown, before being sidelined.
Collins’ absence has left a significant gap in the Texans’ offense since he was placed on injured reserve on October 9. His potential return presents a new challenge for the Lions’ defense, as they would need to adjust their strategies to contain one of the league’s more productive receivers. Known for his deep threat ability and physical play, Collins could add a significant spark to the Texans’ offensive lineup if he’s cleared to play.
The Lions, who have faced multiple talented wideouts this season, will need to consider Collins’ possible return in their defensive preparations. His reactivation could shift the Texans’ offensive game plan, posing a greater risk to the Lions’ secondary.
The Texans-Lions game is set to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston, broadcast on Peacock/NBC. With Collins’ return still up in the air, the Lions will likely await final updates from Houston before adjusting their defensive approach. This game could hinge on Collins’ status, as his presence would give the Texans a valuable offensive asset in a primetime showdown.
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