Heading into the 2023 NFL regular season, the AFC South was initially perceived as one of the league’s weakest divisions, with the Jacksonville Jaguars standing out as the only formidable team among the four. However, the division’s narrative has taken an unexpected turn, as three out of the four teams, excluding the struggling Tennessee Titans, currently boast an 8-6 record entering Week 16, challenging the earlier notion.
Surprisingly, the Houston Texans, considered the dark horse of the division, received a boost ahead of their upcoming clash with the Cleveland Browns. Wide receiver Nico Collins, pivotal to the Texans’ success this season, declared his readiness for Sunday’s game, according to reports from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.
Collins, enjoying a standout season, has thrived by establishing crucial chemistry with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud throughout the 2023 NFL season, accumulating career-high stats of 1,004 yards and six touchdowns on 60 receptions in 12 games.
#Texans wide receiver Nico Collins @lbg_nico7 said he's back from calf injury and will be ready for Sunday's game against #Browns @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/khfvnWbleR
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 21, 2023
Collins’ return to the field serves as a positive development for the Texans as they strive to secure a playoff spot in the competitive AFC. However, the team faces a setback as Stroud, the promising rookie quarterback, remains in concussion protocol as of Thursday, casting doubt on his availability for the critical matchup against the Browns on Sunday.
Despite this uncertainty, Collins’ comeback marks a step in the right direction for Houston as they navigate the closing weeks of the season.
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