Texans Get Boost as Nico Collins Cleared to Return for Week 9 vs. Broncos

The Houston Texans have reason for optimism heading into Week 9. After a much-needed 26–15 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the team will regain one of its most important offensive weapons: wide receiver Nico Collins. The 25-year-old playmaker has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is on track to return to action against the Denver Broncos.

Collins’ absence in Week 8 was noticeable, but Houston’s young receiving corps stepped up in his place. Rookie pass catchers Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel helped fill the void, combining for 98 receiving yards and a touchdown in the win. Still, Collins’ return provides quarterback C.J. Stroud with his most reliable target — and a key piece of the offense’s identity.

Speaking with reporters, Collins expressed his relief and excitement about being cleared to play again. “I feel great, blessed to be off protocol,” he said via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. “I’m excited about this week — great matchup. Denver is a great team, excited to be back.”

The win over San Francisco lifted Houston’s record to 3–4, keeping them in the mix for an AFC Wild Card spot. With Collins back, the Texans’ passing game regains its rhythm and top-tier threat on the perimeter as they look to string together consecutive wins for the first time this season.

1. A Leader on and off the Field

Before his injury, Collins had been among the Texans’ most productive players. In seven games, he totaled 26 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns, quickly establishing chemistry with Stroud. His ability to stretch the field and win contested catches made him the focal point of Houston’s passing attack. Collins suffered the concussion in Week 7 after a hard landing during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite feeling dazed at the time, he followed the league’s protocol carefully and prioritized recovery over rushing back to the field. Now, with a clean bill of health, he’s eager to pick up where he left off. “I knew I just had to be patient,” Collins said earlier this week. “You never want to miss time, but I trusted the process and the doctors. I’m thankful to be feeling 100 percent again.” His return is also a welcome development for head coach DeMeco Ryans, who has emphasized resilience and depth throughout Houston’s rebuild. Ryans praised the way young receivers stepped up in Collins’ absence, calling it a sign of the team’s growth and competitive spirit.

2. Young Receivers Continue to Step Up

Even with Collins sidelined, Houston’s offense showed flashes of its long-term potential. Rookie wideout Xavier Hutchinson led the team with 69 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 8, while fellow first-year receiver Jaylin Noel made timely catches to extend drives. Their emergence underscores the growing depth of Houston’s receiving group — something that could pay dividends as the season progresses. Collins has taken note of the development from the sidelines. “Everybody is stepping up, which is a great thing,” he said. “When your number is called, you want to go out and operate. I’m glad to see my boys out there making plays.” Having Collins back not only adds experience but also opens up opportunities for others. His presence draws coverage away from secondary options like Tank Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz, allowing Stroud to distribute the ball more effectively. Stroud, who threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns against San Francisco, has consistently shown poise beyond his years. With his top target back in the lineup, the Texans’ offense could take another step forward as they face a Denver defense that has shown improvement in recent weeks.

3. Building Momentum into the Second Half

The Texans’ victory in Week 8 was a statement of progress under Ryans, but maintaining that success will require consistency — something Houston has struggled with in the early stages of the season. A win over Denver would move them back to .500 and mark an important milestone in their development. Collins’ return provides the offense with both production and leadership. His chemistry with Stroud is expected to be a key factor in Houston’s game plan, as the Broncos’ secondary has been vulnerable to big plays downfield. Beyond individual performance, Collins’ presence symbolizes a team regaining confidence and cohesion. The Texans have endured injuries and growing pains throughout the first half of the season, yet their response in Week 8 showed signs of maturity and resilience. As they enter a pivotal stretch of games, Houston’s focus remains clear: keep improving, keep winning, and keep building around their young core. With Collins back in uniform, that mission becomes a little easier.