**Texans Welcome Back from IR**
The Houston Texans have received a major boost with the activation of wide receiver Nico Collins and defensive end Jerry Hughes from injured reserve. Recent struggles in the Texans’ passing game, with the team failing to surpass 176 passing yards in three of their last four games, contributed to two losses in that stretch. However, second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud will now regain one of his key targets as Collins returns to the lineup.
Nico Collins, a third-round pick, had two solid seasons before truly breaking out last year, amassing 1,297 receiving yards and scoring eight touchdowns. This season, Collins looked poised to outperform those impressive stats, averaging a league-leading 113.4 receiving yards per game through his first five appearances.
Unfortunately, a hamstring injury in his fifth game put him on IR, significantly impacting the Texans’ offensive production. Soon after, the Texans suffered another blow with the loss of Stefon Diggs to a season-ending ACL injury, weakening their receiving unit even further.
Collins remains “questionable” for the upcoming game, but if cleared to play, he’ll be a crucial addition to a receiving group that currently includes Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, Robert Woods, and John Metchie. With the Texans holding a strong position atop the AFC South, having Collins back could reinvigorate their offense and secure their divisional lead.
Also returning from IR is veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes, who has been sidelined for over a month. The 36-year-old Hughes will reclaim his rotational role on the defensive line, contributing depth behind Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Hughes’ experience and skill on the edge should help reinforce a Texans’ defense that has been performing solidly this season.
To accommodate these activations, the Texans released cornerback D’Angelo Ross from the active roster. Initially part of the practice squad, Ross was promoted to the 53-man roster early in the season, making two starts in his eight appearances. With these moves, the Texans have made space for their returning impact players, hoping to solidify both their offensive and defensive fronts.
These reinforcements come at a crucial time for Houston, as they push to maintain their edge in a competitive AFC South. The return of Collins should provide a much-needed lift for the Texans’ passing game, while Hughes’ presence will strengthen the defense as they head into the second half of the season.
