The Houston Texans could be even more shorthanded when they face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. Texans wide receiver Nico Collins did not finish their Week 7 “Monday Night Football” contest against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Texans ruled Collins out in the fourth quarter with a concussion.
Coming off their fourth loss in six games, and with the 49ers on deck, the 2-4 Texans need all hands on deck. Moreover, they are at risk of being without more than just Collins.
Nico Collins Uncertain for 49ers Game
GettyJosh Jobe #29 of the Seattle Seahawks breaks up a pass intended for Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that Collins was in concussion protocol after the loss to the Seahawks, telling reporters on October 21, “He has a concussion. So, we’ll evaluate him as the week goes on.”
A Pro Bowler in 2024, Collins has missed at least two games in every season of his career.
He could miss his first of 2025 after suffering his concussion on “Monday Night Football” in Week 8, and the news has caused some concerns.
“The fact that Nico Collins’ potential absence has people terrified about who C.J. Stroud will throw to vs. the 49ers, tells you everything you need to know about what the #Texans have weapons-wise,” the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander posted on X on October 21.
“The roster lacks the necessary playmakers needed to overcome a potential loss.
Houston could also be without Christian Kirk, who missed Week 7 with a hamstring injury, in Week 8.
For a team ranked 21st in scoring and 23rd overall offensively, like the Texans are, this is certainly a concerning development, especially since playing on Monday means they are on a short week.
C.J. Stroud: Missing Nico Collins ‘Will Suck’
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans looks on after the game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Collins, who is signed through 2027 on a three-year, $72.7 million contract, has a 26-339-3 line this season. He had four catches for 27 yards on 10 targets against the Seahawks in Week 7. His 40% catch rate was his worst mark of the season, but C.J. Stroud shouldered the blame.
“I thought he had played really well. I gotta just find a way to get him to touch the ball, or I gotta throw him a better ball. That’s just bottom line. It’s going to be tough. He’s our best player on offense. He’s one of the best players in the league, time and time again. And we also got to find ways to get him the ball in better situations,” Stroud told reporters postgame. “It starts with me trying to get us in the right looks.”
The Texans had won back-to-back games heading into this contest. However, both of their wins came against teams with a combined 2-11 record through seven weeks. Their four losses have come at a combined 21 points, or a little over 5 points per game.
Missing Collins would be a significant blow to the Texans’ prospects next week.
Nico Collins’ Status Looms Large for Texans
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
Collins’ catch rate is the second-worst among Texans wideouts, ahead of only Braxton Berrios, who has played in one game and lost 3 yards on his lone reception in three targets.
“It will suck [if Collins is sidelined for Week 8]. But, hopefully, it’ll be okay, and we have a short week. But if not, we gotta just step up in other ways. Put more on my plate, hopefully, to try to help us out.”
The Texans will need others to step up if Collins and Kirk sit against the 49ers.
Third-year wideout Xavier Hutchinson and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, along with veterans Berrios and Justin Watson, will all be called upon to do more.
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