HOUSTON – Texans starting wide receivers Nico Collins and Christian Kirk returned to practice Wednesday from injuries, as expected.
A Pro Bowl selection last season, Collins remains under the NFL concussion protocol. This was the first phase toward clearance under the protocol, if he continues to not have symptoms under the NFL baseline neurological exam and participates fully in practice this week. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans expressed confidence in Collins’ probable availability Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Recommended Videos
“Technically still under the concussion protocol,” Ryans said. “We’re expecting him to clear in the next few days.”
A veteran slot acquired in an offseason trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kirk is returning from his second hamstring injury of the season.
Both players are expected to be available for a home game against the Denver Broncos.
Collins was limited, as was Kirk.
Having a passing game with their skills and experience could provide a boost to the Texans’ up-and-down offense.
“If Nico and Kirk clears, we’re hoping that looks great for us,” Ryans said. “We got two of our top playmakers back out on the field. Anytime we can get those guys out, they add an explosive element to our offense, playmaker element to our offense.
“Those guys have done it for a long time. We’re excited to be able to get those guys back. We’re hoping the week goes as good as it can go so we can get them back.”
Meanwhile, starting tight end Dalton Schultz didn’t practice due to knee and shoulder injuries. He appeared to be in some pain Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. He played 49 offensive snaps and caught two passes for 24 yards on three targets.
The Texans are hoping he can return later this week.
“Dalton didn’t go today, but we’re expecting to get him back as the week goes on,” Ryans said. “He’s doing well, progressing just fine.”
Defensive end Dylan Horton and Denico Autry didn’t practice due to knee injuries. Offensive guard Dylan Tomlinson didn’t practice as he was rested.
In the absence of Collins and Kirk in a victory over the 49ers, the Texans leaned heavily on Schultz, rookie wide receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson along with Braxton Berrios. Berrios practiced Wednesday and was limited after sustaining a chest injury Sunday when he caught five passes.
Fullback Jakob Johnson was designated for return and the team has signed tight end Dalton Keene to the practice squad. Johnson was limited with a hamstring injury.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and clck2houston.com