The Houston Texans are enjoying a 5-2 record as they prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. However, the team has been missing their standout wide receiver, Nico Collins, since Week 5 due to a hamstring injury.

At first, the Texans were hopeful that Collins’ injury wouldn’t keep him out long. He was initially listed as day-to-day leading into their Week 6 game against the New England Patriots, but Coach DeMeco Ryans later indicated that Collins would be evaluated week-to-week.

“Recovering from a hamstring injury typically takes a couple of weeks,” Ryans mentioned during discussions about the injury, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Shortly after those remarks, Collins was placed on injured reserve.

Here’s the latest update regarding Nico Collins’ hamstring injury and his anticipated return:

What is the timeline for Nico Collins’ return?

After being placed on injured reserve, Collins is confirmed to be out for a minimum of four games.

The earliest possible return for the Texans’ leading wide receiver is in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions during ‘Sunday Night Football.’

Reports indicate that Collins has not faced any setbacks in his recovery. Consequently, he will miss the upcoming matches against the Colts in Week 8, and the Jets on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 9. Fans are hopeful he can resume his No. 1 receiving position by Week 10.

Even while sidelined, Collins is currently ranked fourth in the NFL for receiving yards as Week 8 approaches.

Details of Nico Collins’ injury

Nico Collins sustained his injury during Week 5 while playing at home against the Bills. He exited the game at the end of the first quarter, with the Texans leading 14-3. The team ruled him out for the rest of the match due to a hamstring issue, where he managed to secure 2 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.

Collins hurt his hamstring on the play where he made a spectacular 67-yard touchdown reception from CJ Stroud, seemingly pulling up as he reached the end zone.

Nico Collins’ performance statistics

Through the first five weeks, Collins was leading the entire NFL in receiving yards, amassing a total of 567 yards. Here’s a complete overview of his performance for the 2024 season:

• Targets: 45
• Catches: 32
• Yards: 567
• Touchdowns: 3
• Average yards per catch: 17.7

Collins has recorded three games with over 100 receiving yards, and he has achieved at least 78 yards in each of his five appearances.

Wide Receiver Depth Chart for the Texans

While Collins is out, Houston has relied on Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell as their top receivers.

Robert Woods and Xavier Hutchinson have been sharing the duties as the No. 4 receiver, but Hutchinson has received more playing time compared to Woods, who is also nursing a foot injury.

Here’s how the Texans’ wide receiver depth chart looks without Collins:

• Stefon Diggs
• Tank Dell
• Xavier Hutchinson
• Robert Woods
• John Metchie III
• Steven Sims

The practice squad also includes Johnny Johnson III, who can provide additional support if necessary.