Texans Nico Collins returns to practice as he enters next phase of concussion protocol. Christian Kirk back too

Related Players: Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins

Well, the waiver wire thirst for Texans receivers seems like a lost cause as it stands, as all three of Week 8's receivers will go back to desperation dart-throw territory if both of the vets return this weekend. Plug Collins back in as a solid WR2, even in a tough matchup, if he suits up.

The Texans ruled out WRs Nico Collins and Christian Kirk for Sunday vs. San Francisco.

Related Players: Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, Braxton Berrios

It looks like Houston is going to have to feature their two rookie WRs, whether they like it or not. We don't have to like it in fantasy, though, and there are better WR rooms to attack in Week 8.

Texans WR Nico Collins (concussion protocol) & WR Christian Kirk (hamstring) are both NOT practicing.

Related Players: Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, Braxton Berrios

Nobody outside of the Texans' opponents wants to watch this offense without Nico Collins on the field, so let's hope he can log some practice time before the weekend. If both Collins and Kirk end up missing, either of the rookies (Noel/Higgins) would make for fine desperation WR4s.

Houston Texans wideout Nico Collins suffered a concussion during a 27-19 loss Monday to the Seattle Seahawks, according to coach DeMeco Ryans.

"We'll evaluate him as the week goes on," Ryans said.

Related players: Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel

The trend has been for players to miss at least a week after a concussion, so Collins owners will want to be sure to follow his progress. The Texans host the 49ers in an earlier Sunday game and considering there are also six teams on byes this week, now is the time for a plan just in case Collins is out for Week 8.

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. (wrist) is off the injury report and good to go Sunday.

Meanwhile, Texans WRs Christian Kirk (hamstring) and Braxton Berrios (hamstring) are both off the injury report and set to make their season debuts.

Related Players: Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Jayden Higgins

Brian Thomas should continue to be slotted in as a fringe WR1/2 play, with Christian Kirk is much further down the list as a WR4/5 as the ball continues to be spread around behind Collins.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios: 'Progressing very well, expect to get those guys back this week'

The return of Kirk could help the Texans offense, which hasn't done a whole lot over the first two weeks of the season. Before the injury, those who follow the team said Kirk was the team's clear WR2 in camp, so it's possible he could slide right back into that role starting in Week 3.

Texans second practice of Week 1.

I do not see Christian Kirk or Braxton Berrios.

Cam Robinson is back.

Related Players: Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel

It's not looking great for Kirk to suit up for Week 1. We'll see how much Noel rotates into the slot, but it's probably best to keep our exposure to only Nico Collins until we see how the target share spreads out behind him. Collins is in easy WR1 consideration.

The pecking order for Texans WRs as of right now.
Nico Collins and Christian Kirk got the two top spots.
Xavier Hutchinson appears to be the next guy up. But Jayden Higgins will rotate in there.
Same with Jaylin Noel.

The top-two names aren't really a surprise, but it gets interesting seeing Hutchinson's name mentioned as the team's WR3, a spot many assumed would go to Higgins. We reported a few weeks ago that Noel was a quality WR for the team, but there just wasn't a spot for him in the lineup, and that seems to remain the case. This could be a situation to keep an eye on, especially if Hutchinson continues to be mentioned as the WR3. It's hard to believe Higgins won't be among the team's top-three WRs at some point sooner than later.

Jaylin Noel: Can't really figure out how he gets on the field a ton right now.

Related players: Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins

The post went on to say with Kirk in the mix and Higgins ticketed for outside work, there isn't really a spot for Noel. However, the post went on to say there is confidence Noel is a good player who would shine if given opportunities in this offense. Right now, Noel seems more like a very late sleeper pick in redraft leagues, and a guy you maybe tuck away in dynasty leagues until he gets his chance. It could take an injury for Noel to get his chance, especially if Kirk continues to play well.

Jaguars plan to release veteran WR Christian Kirk, per source.

Related Players: Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, Parker Washington

Kirk will look for new employment on an increasingly fertile WR free agent landscape after a disappointing 27-catch 2024 performance in which he logged only eight games. Brian Thomas Jr. is already appropriately earmarked for a WR1 season, but this certainly doesn't hurt things.