Nico Collins Returns to Full Practice Amidst Looming 2024 Target Competition

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, recovering from an ankle injury. Collins experienced a significant "Year 3 breakout" in 2023, largely fueled by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Despite missing two full games and most of another due to calf injuries, he recorded 80+ receiving yards in eight of 13 games, finishing third among WRs in yards per target (11.9) and yards per route (3.29), and adding 164 yards in two playoff games. A 2021 third-round pick from Michigan, Collins possesses impressive physical tools (6-4, 215 lbs, 4.43 40-yard dash) but faced questions about route running. His 2024 fantasy projection is now less certain due to the Texans' acquisition of Stefon Diggs, intensifying competition for targets alongside Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, and Joe Mixon. In his rookie year (2021), he had 446 yards and 1 TD, and 481 yards in 10 games in his second season.