Texans put Nico Collins, NFL's receiving yards leader, on IR - ESPN

The Houston Texans have placed wide receiver Nico Collins on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games.

Collins, who leads the NFL with 567 receiving yards this season, suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter of Houston's 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. The injury occurred when quarterback C.J. Stroud launched a deep pass to Collins for a 67-yard touchdown to put the Texans up 14-3.

However, Collins limped to the sidelines following the score and then eventually headed to the locker room and didn't return.

On Monday, coach DeMeco Ryans said Collins' injury was «week-to-week» and replacing his production will require a team effort.

«Nico has been the best receiver in the NFL this year. So, do you replace him? No, everybody just steps up and whatever role you're asked to do, just step up and play your role the proper way,» Ryans said. «Nobody has to be Nico. There is one Nico, he's done a great job of that. Now, whoever is next, when your number is called, make the plays that you are supposed to make.»

Replacing Collins in Week 5 was a struggle as the Texans scored only nine points following his exit. This year, even with Collins, their offense wasn't a high-powered scoring unit as they ranked 19th in scoring offense (20 points per game).

Stroud is third in passing yards (1,385) but has been two different quarterbacks with Collins on and off the field.

When targeting Collins, Stroud had a passer rating of 133 and the duo led the NFL in expected points added (34.6). Just when Collins is on the field, even if he isn't being targeted, Stroud has a passer rating of 107 while completing 70% of his throws with a 7:2 touchdown to interception ratio.

But when Collins isn't on the field,