Nico Collins injury status: Exploring Texans WR's availability for Week 16 game vs Chiefs
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has emerged as the Texans and quarterback CJ Stroud's number-one option at wide receiver in the last two seasons.
Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Collins had 30+ receptions and over 400 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons. Last year, during Stroud's rookie year, he had a breakout season, recording 80 receptions for 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns. This resulted in Collins getting a three-year contract worth $75 million, with $52 million guaranteed.
In nine games this season, Collins has been productive with 53 receptions for 849 yards and six touchdowns.
Nico Collins game status: Will Texans WR play against the Houston Texans tomorrow?
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins hasn't appeared on the Houston Texans injury report this week. He is set to play against the Kansas City Chiefs barring any unexpected setbacks.
Collins suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills that placed him on injured reserve, missing five games. He returned on Nov. 11 against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Texans have ruled out center Juice Suggs, DT Folorunso Fatukasi, TE Cade Stover, and WR John Metchie III for the Chiefs game.
Playoff picture: Have the Houston Texans clinched a playoff berth yet?
Last week, the Houston Texans defeated the Miami Dolphins in a close 20-12 game. Following the win and an Indianapolis Colts' loss to the Denver Broncos, the Texans won the AFC South and claimed a spot in the playoffs with a 9-5 record.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was proud of the team for accomplishing a team goal of becoming AFC South champions for a second-straight season.
Ryans said via Yahoo Sports:
"Clinching the AFC South is huge for us. Great accomplishment by all of our guys. It’s always our goal. You want to make it in the postseason, you have to win your division, it starts there. And so, we’re just thankful for everyone who played a part in us reaching a first step of our goal and that’s getting in... very proud of our guys and proud to win the AFC South.”
Winning the AFC South division, the Texans will get at least the fourth seed in the AFC. That's where they currently stand with the Kansas City Chiefs holding the No. 1 seed at 13-1, the Buffalo Bills holding the second seed at 11-3, and the Pittsburgh Steelers holding the thrid seed at 10-4.
What seed do you think the Texans will enter the postseason with?