NFL Injury Report: Texas receiver Nico Collins is on the reserve/injured list and will be out for at least a month

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Texans placed Nico Collins on the reserve/injured list on Wednesday.

That means they'll be playing without the NFL's leading receiver for at least a month.

DeMeco Ryans assessed a major loss for the Texans' offense.

“Unfortunately we won’t have Nico. (He's a) great player, has been a great player for us all year. Best receiver in the league. But he will take the time to get healthy,” Ryans said, adding Collins will be back at some point this season.

The Texans know that hamstring injuries take time to heal, and they also understand that they will have to move on without him for now.

In an apparent nod to Collins and his desire to compete and play alongside his teammates, Xavier Hutchinson told ABC13 his main concern is Collins' mental state as he works to rehab his injury.

“I really care about how he’s doing mentally,” Hutchinson said. “I'm just looking after him. I respect him and I care deeply about him.”

Hutchinson is one of the players expected to fill the void while Collins recovers. No one can replace what Collins brought to the Texans' offense this season: an NFL-best 32 catches, 567 yards and three touchdowns.

But Hutchinson will be ready.

“I always tried to prepare like a beginner,” he said. “I think that helped me a lot.”

Of course, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell will also be counted on, along with other weapons like tight end Dalton Schultz.

Starting running back Joe Mixon did not participate in today's practice.

But as a replacement, Dameon Pierce returned to some on-site work. The Texans are confident Pierce can play in New England on Sunday.

To learn more about this story, follow Greg Bailey on Facebook. X and Instagram.