Is Nico Collins playing this week? Injury update, fantasy outlook for Texans' WR ahead of MNF vs. Cowboys

Heading into the year, the Texans' receiving room was lauded as one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL. Unfortunately for Houston fans, they have not seen Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell on the field together very often. With Diggs now out for the year, this trio will have played just four games together this season.

A hamstring injury to Nico Collins has been a big reason why the receiving corps hasn't been at full strength in the first half of the year. The injury required a trip to IR and he hasn't played since Week 5. Prior to the injury, Collins had arguably been the best receiver in the league and still ranks 19th in receiving yards despite missing five games.

Collins was actually activated from IR ahead of Week 10 but was ultimately held out of the game. Let's check in on the latest updates and see if he'll be able to play on Monday Night Football against the Cowboys.

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Will Nico Collins play this week? Injury update on Texans' WR

After nearly playing last week, the expectation has been that Collins will be able to take the field in Week 11. Collins' practice reports from this week should also provide fans with a sense of optimism. Following two consecutive full practices, Collins is off the injury report and will play this week. 

Texans WR Nico Collins officially is off the injury report for Monday’s night game against the Cowboys and is good to go. pic.twitter.com/a32X4XWHZK

C.J. Stroud will certainly be thrilled to have his No. 1 weapon back in action. After two straight losses, the Texans are in need of a win and Collins' presence should provide some much-needed stability on the offensive side of the ball.

Texans' WR Depth Chart: Who is Nico Collins' Backup?

Without Collins or Diggs on the field in recent weeks, the Houston offense has utilized a plethora of receivers to fill their shoes. John Metchie, Xavier Hutchinson, and Robert Woods have all played significant snaps to help provide some production through the air.

With Diggs still on the sidelines, there is still an opportunity for one of these receivers to emerge as the No. 3 behind Collins and Dell. After a breakout performance last week with a 5/74/1 stat line, Metchie is a candidate to take on WR3 duties. This week's snap counts should give us an idea of how this receiver room will look moving forward.

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Nico Collins fantasy outlook Week 11

Prior to his injury, Collins was pacing to take down the WR1 title this season. Excluding Week 5 where he left in the first half, he was averaging 22.7 points per game and was among the most efficient receivers in football. He leads all receivers in yards per route run and will look to build on his elite production and efficiency upon his return.

Collins is the type of receiver that belongs in lineups every time that they're on the field. That is no different in Week 11 and he comes in as the WR5 in the Sporting News' WR Rankings. Fantasy managers should not be concerned that he's coming off an injury and he should be started in lineups everywhere against the Cowboys.