Is Nico Collins playing today vs Chargers? Texans WR's slow start sparks injury fears; 'what is happening?'

Updated on: Dec 28, 2025 7:38 AM IST

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Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans takes the field prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Getty Images via AFP)

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was fully active with no injury concerns, but he got off to a slow start.

The Houston Texans are currently taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 at SoFi Stadium in California.

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was fully active with no injury concerns, but he got off to a slow start. Despite Houston scoring touchdowns on their first two drives, Collins saw no targets or catches in the team’s first three possessions.

This led to some online speculation about a possible injury, but it was simply a cold start. No reports indicate he is dealing with any injury affecting his performance.

Also Read: Is Jordan Love injured? Why the Packers QB is not playing vs. Ravens as backup Malik Willis takes over

Fans reactions

Fans quickly voiced their frustration on X.

One fan wrote, "Are the Texans purposefully not throwing to Nico Collins? Dude has been open the majority of this game."

Another added, "Who ever has Nico Collins in fantasy is crashing out rn."

A third person expressed, "Man throw the ball to Nico Collins man. First time I’ve bet on him this season and he got 0 everything."

Another commented, “Let's review Nico Collins stats after the first quarter. Zero targets, zero catches, zero yards, zero TDs. Just an excellent job of being a decoy. Houston Texans.”

Another fan wrote, "Looks like every Texan except Nico Collins will have a day."

Also Read: Why is Lamar Jackson not playing today vs Packers? Injury update and return timeline

Texans inactives vs Chargers

WR Berrios

WR Braxton Berrios

QB Graham Mertz

DB Alijah Huzzie

OT Trent Brown

LB Jamal Hill

DE Solomon Byrd

OT Aireontae Ersery

Chargers inactives vs Texans

WR Derius Davis

CB Benjamin St-Juste

S RJ Mickens

RB Kimani Vidal

OLB Kyle Kennard

OL Jamaree Salyer

TE Tyler Conklin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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