NFL standout Nico Collins will miss at least four games after the Texans placed him on IR

HOUSTON (AP) — Nico Collins, the NFL's leading receiver, will miss at least four games after the Houston Texans placed him on injured reserve Wednesday with a hamstring injury.

Collins left Houston's 23-20 win over the Bills on Sunday after catching a 67-yard reception late in the first quarter.

Coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that he would consider Collins week-to-week because of the injury before the Texans decided to suspend him for a month on Wednesday.

“It’s unfortunate that we won’t have Nico,” Ryans said on Wednesday. “Great player, was a great player for us all year, best receiver in the league. But he will take the time to get healthy. He will be back for us. This news has encouraged him so much that he will come back at some point this season.”

Ryans declined to answer when asked if he expected Collins to return from the four games he sat out after being placed on injured reserve.

“I won’t get involved in that,” he said.

Collins, who is in his fourth NFL season, has 32 receptions for an NFL-best 567 yards with three touchdowns. He and quarterback CJ Stroud have led the offense, with running back Joe Mixon missing the last three games with an ankle injury.

With Collins out, the 4-1 Texans will be hoping Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell carry more of the load when they play the first of two straight road games at New England on Sunday.

But Ryans said he will look at plenty of people to help offset the loss of Collins.

“Everyone has to get going, everyone has to fulfill their role,” he said. “So we’ll see who that will be for us on Sunday. We don't know who will make these pieces at the moment. You never know, and that’s what’s exciting about our game because every Sunday there are other players who are playmakers, stepping up and making plays.”