The Houston Texans bounced back in Week 8 with a 26-15 home win over the San Francisco 49ers — their first victory over the Niners since 2009.
The result was even more impressive given that Houston’s best wide receiver, Nico Collins, was injured. The Texans’ offense still found ways to move the ball without its leading pass-catcher, but as the team prepares to face the Denver Broncos, the question is: Will he play in Week 9?
Why Did Houston Texans Wide Receiver Nico Collins Miss NFL 2025’s Week 8?
Houston wide receiver Collins exited Week 7’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks after taking a hard tackle near the sideline early in the fourth quarter. The Texans were trailing 27–12 at the time, and Collins went down awkwardly as he tried to stay in bounds after a short reception.
He was evaluated immediately on the sideline before being assisted to the locker room. A short while later, the Texans announced that Collins had been downgraded to out with a concussion.
Before the injury, Collins had four catches for 27 yards, a quiet outing by his standards. Through six games this season, he’s recorded 339 receiving yards and three touchdowns, ranking 36th in PFSN’s WR Impact ratings.
The wide receiver has been C.J. Stroud’s most dependable target, anchoring Houston’s passing game. With Christian Kirk already sidelined by a hamstring injury, Collins’ potential return becomes even more important for the Texans’ offense heading into Week 9.
What is The Latest Update on Collins’ Injury For Week 9?
There’s growing optimism around Collins’ availability for Week 9. According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, Collins “is doing well and trending toward a return at this point,” per his source.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans was more cautious when asked for an update, saying only, “We’ll see where he is later in the week,” when pressed about whether Collins remains in the concussion protocol.
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said ‘we’ll see how he progresses this week’ when asked about Nico Collins’ status in #NFL concussion protocol. Collins, per source, is doing well and trending toward return at this point @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 27, 2025
While Ryans’ comments were brief, Wilson’s report suggests the Texans’ top receiver has a realistic chance to suit up against the Broncos. Collins’ progress through concussion protocol will be closely monitored in the coming days, with his name expected to appear on Houston’s first Week 9 injury report on Wednesday.
Without Collins, the Texans managed to win, with contributions from Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, and Woody Marks. The Houston offense exploded for 469 total yards against the 49ers as Chubb and Marks combined for 114 rushing yards and 62 receiving yards.
Stroud also took full advantage of the Niners, who were missing key players in their defensive line, completing 30 of 39 passes for 318 yards and two touchdowns. The Texans’ offensive line also turned in one of its best performances of the season, not allowing a single sack.
If Collins returns in Week 9, Houston’s offense could be even more explosive against the Broncos as the Texans try to climb back from a 3-4 start. According to PFSN’s Football Playoff Meter (FPM), Houston has a 27.8% chance of making it to the postseason, and Collins’ chemistry with Stroud will be key for the Texans to get back in the AFC playoff race.
