Health ‘Main Focus’ for Texans WR Nico Collins

Injuries have plagued Nico Collins' career with the Houston Texans. But ahead of a potential breakout season in year three, health is a top priority for Collins.

HOUSTON — Houston Texans' wide receiver Nico Collins has several goals ahead of his third season, but none as meaningful as remaining healthy.

"I feel like my main focus is staying healthy, being available for the team," Collins said. "That’s everybody’s goal, to stay healthy throughout 17 games. It sounds easy, but it’s hard. Sticking to the process, trusting your routine and keep going — keep getting better every day."

Collins has shown the potential to take the helm as the Texans' top wide receiver since his rookie season in 2021, but the inability to stay healthy has been his biggest endeavor.

Out of 34 games in his first two seasons, Collins has been available for 24. He finished his sophomore year on injured reserve after sustaining a season-ending foot injury in a Week 13 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 4.

The injury marked the second time in Collins' career he went down with a foot injury. And in addition to his foot problems, the 24-year-old wide receiver has had issues with his groin, hips, and shoulders.

Collins said finishing last year on IR was tough. But the premature end to the season gave him more time to improve his on-field performance entering 2023.

Remaining healthy would allow Collins to meet his goals of "balling out and making plays" for the Texans next season, and working alongside new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has him feeling confident in his growth entering year three.

To assist with his development, Collins has spent extra time studying game film with Slowik, which has included going over Julio Jones' All-Pro days as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.

"It’s come down to just watching film. Learning the playbook, the route concepts, the route names," Collins said. "Watching other guys run it from previous teams. It's just understanding what coach wants from that route. That’s what this time is for, to work on those things. And I feel like we’re all doing it as a team, as an offense. We’re still learning."

Whenever Collins has taken the field, the 6-foot-4 wideout has always been productive. He has made 70 receptions for 927 yards and three touchdowns over the previous two seasons.

With the potential of becoming the Texans' top target, Collins may be able to match his career numbers in 2023. He has showcased confidence in his skill set since his NFL debut in September 2021. 

And following the first three weeks of OTAs inside the Houston Methodist Training Center, Collins has the same belief in his body.

"It’s another year," Collins said. "New year, got to reload and stay healthy. Head down, keep grinding, and keep your foot on the gas."

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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