Nico Collins and Jordan Mason are the unlikely leaders in receiving and rushing yards five weeks into the 2024 NFL season. Collins has 567 yards, 74 more than second-place Ja’Marr Chase. Meanwhile, Mason filled in exceptionally for Christian McCaffrey, tallying 609 yards, 37 more than Derrick Henry’s total.
However, their leads are in jeopardy as they deal with their respective injuries. The Houston Texans placed Collins on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. That designation will keep him out of action for at least four games. Therefore, the earliest he could return will be on their Nov. 10 Sunday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions.
Losing Collins will be massive for the Texans’ cause, mainly because of Tank Dell’s subpar play. Stefon Diggs will likely be Houston’s top receiver in his absence. Likewise, other receivers will surpass his total once he returns.
I’m getting Justin Jefferson 2023 vibes from Nico Collins.
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) October 9, 2024
Mid-season hamstring strain is going to derail his monster season.
This is the problem when guys try to play through soft tissue injuries.
Mild injuries become moderate.
Moderate hamstring strains take 4-6 weeks to… https://t.co/xwvoF34ufB
Meanwhile, Mason suffered a sprained AC joint during their Week 6 Thursday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks. That injury limited him to nine carries and 73 rushing yards in their victory. However, as Adam Schefter tweeted, Mason will undergo further testing even if the injury isn’t considered severe.
If Mason misses some games, Isaac Guerendo will likely take his place. The rookie from Louisville had ten carries for 99 yards, including a 76-yard game-clinching run.
-Lance Fernandez