Texans Resting Nico Collins

What They're Saying

Slater: "A team source tells me the Texans want to rest their veteran wide receiver ahead of the playoffs. Expect a lot of action for their two rookies: Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel."

Fantasy Football Impact

Collins had been on the injury report this week, but listed only as "rest." He sat out Wednesday's practice, put in a limited Thursday, and then went full Friday.

He also carried a "rest" designation on the Week 17 injury report. The Texans last listed Collins with an actual injury back in Week 12 (ankle). He hasn't missed a game since Week 8 (concussion).

So there doesn't appear to be any worrisome injury at play here. But the "rest" listings the past two weeks point to Houston doing some level of management with Collins.

His absence plus Slater's specific mention of Higgins and Lane boost the fantasy outlooks for the two rookies, especially against a Colts D missing its top two corners.

Other Winners & Losers

Of course, Collins' expected deactivation also raises the question of who else might sit.

RB Woody Marks appeared on the injury report as recently as Week 16, with an ankle issue that cost him the first two practices of that week. He could see limited duty against the Colts.

QB C.J. Stroud would be an obvious rest candidate, especially if Houston pulls ahead. He hasn't appeared on the injury report since returning from a Week 12 concussion, though.

TE Dalton Schultz dealt with knee and shoulder issues earlier this year but hasn't appeared on the injury report since Week 12.

Defensively, we'll see about starters such as LB Azeez Al-Shaair, Edge Will Anderson Jr., Edge Danielle Hunter, and CB Derek Stingley Jr.

The Texans do still have a shot at winning the division, if they beat the Colts and Jacksonville loses to the Texans.

Rankings Movement

Check our Week 18 WR rankings for the biggest effects from this news.