The first five weeks in, Nico Collins was having an inspired season. The wide receiver topped the chart with 567 receiving yards under his belt. However, after registering a 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills, Collins will not take part in the upcoming games.
The Houston Texans’ third-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft has made himself the favorite target for quarterback C.J. Stroud. However, now Stroud will be without his No. 1 wide receiver, and Texans fans are having a meltdown.
Houston Texans Fans Can’t Believe Their Luck on Losing Nico Collins
Reports stated that Collins suffered hamstring issues after the team’s Week 5 win at NRG Stadium. These were not considered serious until ESPN’s senior NFL insider dropped a bombshell on Texans fans.
“Texans are placing WR Nico Collins on injured reserve due to his hamstring injury. He will be sidelined a minimum of four games,” tweeted Adam Schefter.
Texans are placing WR Nico Collins on injured reserve due to his hamstring injury. He will be sidelined a minimum of four games.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2024
Upon receiving the news, Houston fans were inconsolable. Collins averaged 17.7 yards per game in five games with three touchdowns to his name. Losing such a pivotal part of the squad hurts.
“Why can’t we have nice things? Diggs is going to have to step up,” tweeted one fan, referencing Stefon Diggs, who the Texans acquired via trade from the Bills during the offseason.
Why can't we have nice things?
Diggs is going to have to step up.
— Free Speech Focus (David) (@FreeSpeechFocus) October 9, 2024
“What did we do to deserve this?” another fan added.
“Who has it worse than Texans fans,” tweeted someone else.
Who has it worse than Texans fans https://t.co/w5Yo4EOeTc
— Honest Houston Fan 🕸️ (@TexansRuined) October 9, 2024
“Hate to see this he was having an elite level campaign,” one Texans fan commented.
Some fans, meanwhile, showed their glass-half-full mindset. They were saddened by the loss of Collins for the next four games but rejoiced at having Tank Dell and Diggs to fall back on.
“Diggs and Dell need to step it up,” tweeted a fan.
Diggs and Dell need to step it up..
— Boomer Larry (@sportsnweb3) October 9, 2024
“This is where the Diggs trade should pay off big. Diggs and Tank can step up now and Hutch can get a chance to get full time run. Fingers crossed Nico is good to go after the 4 weeks,” another Texans fan added.
“f*ck man. Diggs and Tank gotta step up, we gonna be seeing a lot of Hutch and hopefully Metchie,” another fan tweeted.
Texans WR Depth Chart After Collins’ Injury
After placing Collins on injured reserve, the Texans now have six wideouts at their disposal on the active roster.
- Stefon Diggs
- Tank Dell
- Xavier Hutchinson
- Robert Woods
- John Metchie III
- Steven Sims
Houston also has WR Johnny Johnson III on the practice squad. Johnson has been involved with the team since 2022 when he was signed as an undrafted free agent.
Now, Diggs is poised to take over the No. 1 WR role for the Texans. For 10 years, the four-time Pro Bowler has enjoyed starter status, and he’s been a monumental addition to the Texans squad this season.
Second-year player Dell has been a revelation for the Texans. The 24-year-old hasn’t been as explosive as he was in his rookie season, but he has the trust and backing of head coach DeMeco Ryans to thrive in Collins’ absence.