The recent victory for the Houston Texans against the Denver Broncos brought both joy and concern, as rookie wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a season-ending leg injury. Despite being a rookie, Dell played a crucial role in every game of the season, emerging as the second-highest targeted player for quarterback C.J. Stroud and leading the team with seven receiving touchdowns and 709 receiving yards. His exceptional speed and separation ability made a significant impact on the field, making him a key player for the team.
Now, with Dell out for the season, the challenge is to find a suitable replacement to fill the void left by the talented rookie. Houston is fortunate to have a diverse group of receivers, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. The question now is, who will step up to replace Dell?
C.J. Stroud & Nico Collins connect on another 50+ yard pass!
📺: #DENvsHOU on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/VsFn0fuJ2r— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023
Nico Collins emerges as the most obvious choice. As the WR1 for Houston throughout the season, Collins has consistently performed at a high level. In the recent game against the Broncos, he achieved a career-high of 191 receiving yards, marking his fourth game with over 100 yards this season. Since entering the league in 2021, Collins has showcased his potential with his impressive height, speed, and improved skills in route-running and ball tracking. While Collins can contribute significantly, it is acknowledged that he cannot fully replace Dell, as both players had different roles and route trees on the field.
Another option is Robert Woods, a solid veteran signing orchestrated by general manager Nick Caserio during the offseason. Although Woods has been a reliable contributor, he played a supporting role in the Collins/Dell duo. Woods had successful seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in 2018 and 2019. Despite missing some games due to an ACL injury in 2021, Woods is now fully healed and back on a team with a capable quarterback. He brings evidence of being a big-time receiver and is also known for his effective pass-blocking skills.
Robert Woods (#2) working his ass off in pass protection. That effort helps give Nico Collins the time to win and for Stroud to hit him for the TD. pic.twitter.com/AkNsJAek06
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) December 7, 2023
Xavier Hutchinson adds a wildcard element to the receiving corps. As a rookie, Hutchinson has yet to make a significant impact this season, but his potential is a topic of speculation among Houston fans. A finalist for the Biletnikoff Award in 2022, Hutchinson had an impressive college career at Iowa State with 107 receptions for 1,171 yards and six touchdowns.
With physical traits such as a height of 6’3″, a 4.53 40-yard dash, quick feet, and strength, Hutchinson possesses the tools to become a formidable receiver. While still considered raw and not ready for a full workload, Hutchinson’s size and production draw parallels to the success of Nico Collins, and it remains to be seen if he can follow a similar trajectory.
Does rookie WR Xavier Hutchinson get an increase in snaps? Below is his rep from training camp one on one against the afc defensive player of the week #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/O8r0ujOhj2
— Harley Dugan (@TheLead_HOU) December 6, 2023
In conclusion, the Texans have viable options to step up in the absence of Tank Dell, with Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson offering distinct skill sets. The challenge lies in finding a replacement who can collectively contribute to fill the void left by Dell’s absence and support the team’s playoff push.
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