Nico Collins enters the 2026 NFL season as the Houston Texans’ clear No. 1 wide receiver, positioned for elevated target volume after Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice and Tank Dell opens on injured reserve with a knee issue that will sideline him at least four games. The 27-year-old posted 71 receptions on 120 targets for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games during 2025, extending his streak of 1,000-yard seasons while ranking among the league’s most efficient route runners. Recent roster additions including offensive linemen and running back David Montgomery aim to stabilize the offense around quarterback C.J. Stroud, though Collins’ history of missing two-to-three games per year remains a key variable. With limited depth behind him and strong red-zone usage expected, his reception total will hinge primarily on games played and overall passing-game opportunities.