Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is not expected to play in Week 8 against the San Francisco 49ers due to a concussion sustained in Week 7. The 25-year-old suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of Houston’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks after his head hit the turf following an incomplete pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Collins remains in concussion protocol and has not practiced this week. His absence could significantly impact the Texans’ offensive strategy heading into Sunday’s matchup at NRG Stadium.
Nico Collins, the Texans’ leading receiver, will likely miss the Week 8 game against the 49ers at NRG Stadium on Sunday, October 26. He suffered a concussion during the team’s Week 7 defeat to Seattle and has not participated in practice sessions. The decision to sideline Collins stems from ongoing concussion protocol evaluations and a cautious approach by the coaching staff. Without Collins, Houston’s offense faces a major challenge against one of the NFL’s top defenses.
Player Status and Team Overview
Collins has recorded 26 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns this season, averaging 56.5 yards per game. His absence, along with Christian Kirk (hamstring), leaves Houston short-handed at wide receiver. The Texans, currently 2–5, are looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Young receivers Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, and Jayden Higgins are expected to step up, while tight end Dalton Schultz will likely see increased targets from Stroud.
Coach Reaction and Injury Outlook
Head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed Collins’ status earlier this week, saying:
“We’ll see how the week goes. Nico is one of our best players. It’s concerning. Some things you can’t control, and you just try to do the best you possibly can.”
Ryans emphasized the importance of player safety and hinted that the team will not rush Collins back into action. The Texans are monitoring his recovery closely, with no definitive timeline for his return.
Impact on Texans’ Game Plan
Without Collins and Kirk, Houston’s passing game will rely heavily on short routes and the run game to counter the 49ers’ aggressive pass rush. Dalton Schultz’s reliability and leadership will be crucial, as noted by Stroud:
“He’s super reliable, not only on the field but off the field. He’s someone I talk to about a lot of different things.”
The Texans will need a balanced offensive approach to stay competitive against San Francisco’s top-tier defense.
What’s Next for Collins and the Texans
Houston faces the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, October 26, at NRG Stadium. Collins’ status for Week 9 remains uncertain, and his recovery will be monitored throughout next week. The Texans are expected to release further updates following the game. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the team adapts without its top receiver.
