Texans WR Nico Collins set to return, Christian Kirk could too

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Houston Texans standout receiver Nico Collins cleared concussion protocol on Thursday and plans to play in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.

Collins missed last week’s 26-15 home victory over the San Francisco 49ers after he sustained the head injury against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 20.

“Blessed to be off the protocol,” Collins told reporters on Thursday. “Feeling good, feeling excited about this week’s great matchup.”

Collins, 26, has 26 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns in six games this season. The fifth-year pro topped 1,000 yards in each of the previous two seasons and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2024.

Houston also might have wideout Christian Kirk (hamstring) back on the field after a two-game absence. Kirk has 10 catches for 109 yards in three games this season.

This is Kirk’s eighth NFL season but first with Houston (3-4). The 28-year-old enjoyed his best campaign in 2022 when he established career highs of 84 receptions, 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Both Collins and Kirk were full practice participants on Thursday.

“Look, we’re happy that they’re back. We’re excited that they’re back,” Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley told reporters. “The other guys, everybody stepped up and did a great job, too. …

“But we’re glad to have Nico and ‘C.K.’ back out there. The other guys keep going at the same … Continuing to improve and I think the more we’re out there, the more we have an opportunity to really build cohesiveness together as a group.”

Houston tight end Dalton Schultz (knee/shoulder) missed his second straight day of practice. The 29-year-old has a team-best 32 receptions and ranks second with 308 receiving yards.

–Field Level Media