Texas fullback Nico Collins (hamstring), placed on injured reserve, will miss at least four games

Collins suffered a hamstring injury in Houston's 23-20 win over Buffalo on Sunday and left after catching a 67-yard touchdown pass from CJ Stroud. He did not return to the game and Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters Monday that he viewed Collins' injury as a week-to-week matter.

With their decision to place Collins on IR, the Texans are wisely giving Collins more time to heal from an injury that tends to be more delicate than others. They're also moving forward without a receiver who leads the NFL with 567 receiving yards – a number achieved on just 32 catches, averaging 17.7 yards per reception – and is sixth in the league with three touchdowns .

Luckily for Houston, they still have the other half of their receiving duo: offseason newcomer Stefon Diggs, who gained 315 yards, scored two receiving touchdowns on 31 catches and added another score on the ground in a Week 4 win over Jacksonville . Tank Dell remains available as a slot receiver and has already proven he has a good rapport with Stroud, his fellow 2023 draft classmate, catching 13 passes for 137 yards a year after catching 47 in 11 games Receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. Tight end Dalton Schultz will also play a key role and has caught 14 passes for 116 yards so far this season.

Collins' absence will force Houston to adjust and eliminate Stroud's favorite target from the 2023 preseason. However, based on their performance so far, they should be able to handle it – especially if the health of their backfield improves in the meantime.

The Texans' first game without Collins is this Sunday at the New England Patriots.