HOUSTON — Wide receiver Nico Collins of the Houston Texans is optimistic about his return to the field for Monday night’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys after being sidelined for five games due to a hamstring injury.
Collins expressed his confidence on Friday, stating, “I feel like myself. I feel like that was the main part.”
Before his injury, Collins was leading the NFL with 567 receiving yards, highlighted by a 67-yard touchdown catch during the Texans’ victory over the Buffalo Bills on October 6. Following the injury, he spent four weeks on the injured reserve list, making his comeback official just last Saturday.
However, he was not in a position to play for the team’s Sunday night game against Detroit, which resulted in him sitting out for a fifth consecutive match, matching his longest interval off the field in his four-year career.
“You don’t want to miss any games, but that’s part of it. It’s a long season, a marathon, and taking care of your body is crucial. But not being able to contribute hurts. I want to share the field with my teammates and make plays,” he noted.
The Texans have felt the impact of Collins’ absence, especially after losing Stefon Diggs to a season-ending knee injury on October 27. The team’s passing game has endured struggles, yet Collins remains the leading receiver despite his time away from the game.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud articulated his excitement about Collins’ return, acknowledging his dynamic presence on the field. “He has that personality where he wants the hard coverage guy, he wants the hard routes to run, he wants to make the hard plays,” Stroud commented. “When he gets the ball, he is dangerous. He is able to turn good into great. He does everything and gets everyone pumped up to play hard, and we definitely have been missing that.”
Collins appreciates the positive feedback from his teammates and considers it a vital part of his role to uplift those around him. “I feel like you bring the energy, you bring the best out of everybody,” he said. “You bring the physicality. I’m here to show my teammates that I’m all in, and I expect everyone to step up alongside me.”
Looking to help the Texans regain momentum after a rough patch, Collins is eager to contribute to a team that has lost its last two games and three out of the last four. His presence is anticipated to address some of the team’s challenges, especially in the latter stages of games.
In recent matches, Houston has managed to score a mere 15 points in the second half, with no touchdowns, failing to maintain their lead against the Lions and ultimately succumbing to a 26-23 defeat despite being ahead by 16 at halftime.
“I want to change that dynamic,” he stated. “By adding another piece out there, another weapon… Each time I have the ball, my goal is to score and bring that energy. Just having an additional playmaker enhances the offense, and I’m thrilled to get back out there and play.”