The Texans traded up to take Michigan WR Nico Collins with the 89th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. Bad Michigan passing games muted Collins’ numbers in 2018 (38-632-6) and 2019 (37-729-7). Then he opted out of the 2020 campaign. But Collins posted solid market shares, flashes dominant contested-catch ability on tape and is 1 of the biggest, most athletic WRs in this class. Collins measured 6’4, 215 pounds at his Pro Day and ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash with a big 37.5-inch vertical. He earned a 95th percentile Relative Athletic Score. Collins is a boom/bust prospect but has the upside to develop into a fantasy difference-maker. Houston’s QB situation is a concern, but there’s plenty of opportunity for immediate playing time here with Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb the only established WRs on the depth chart.

Texans WRs Nico Collins (foot) and Chris Conley (neck) are active for today’s game vs. Arizona. Neither is a bankable fantasy play.

Texans WRs Nico Collins (foot) and Chris Conley (neck) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Brandin Cooks is the only Houston WR that should be anywhere near fantasy lineups.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Texans WR Nico Collins is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with the shoulder injury that knocked him out early in Sunday's loss to the Browns. Houston's bye doesn't come until Week 10, so Collins looks like he'll miss at least 3 games. We'd bet on him hitting IR. Regardless of whether Collins is active, it's tough to imagine playing any Houston wideout not named Brandin Cooks -- especially now that Tyrod Taylor is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Texans WR Nico Collins is questionable to return to Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. We’ll let you know if he returns to the field. Before departing, the rookie caught a 32-yard pass.

UPDATE: Collins was ruled out in the 2nd half.

The Athletic's Aaron Reiss names WR Nico Collins 1 of the "risers" in training camp so far. "Collins has consistently made catches both on the sideline and over the middle during Texans camp," Reiss writes. The 3rd-round rookie has reportedly been getting lots of reps with the 1st-team and looks like the favorite to open the season as a starting outside WR opposite Brandin Cooks. Collins is worth considering as a late-round flier in fantasy drafts.