Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is expected to play Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys after missing five games with a hamstring injury.

“I feel like I’m back to myself,” Collins said Friday. “I think that’s the most important part.”

Collins was leading the NFL in receiving with 567 yards when he suffered the injury while making a 67-yard touchdown catch against the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 6. He was placed on the injured list for four weeks before returning last Saturday.

But he wasn't ready to return Sunday night, was inactive when Houston lost to Detroit and missed five straight games to tie the record for the longest streak of missed games in his four-year career.

“I don’t want to miss a single game, but that’s part of it,” he said. “But it’s a long season and a marathon, so I want to take care of my body. But if I miss time, it hurts. I want to be out there with my brothers and play.”

Houston lost Stefon Diggs to a season-ending knee injury on Oct. 27, and the Texas passing game has struggled without Collins, who remains the team's starting receiver despite his lengthy absence.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud is excited about Collins' return.

“He’s the type of guy who wants to cover hard, run hard routes, make hard plays,” Stroud said. “When he gets the ball, he’s dangerous. He can turn good into great. He knocks people over. He does it all. ... He makes everyone work hard, and I think we’re missing that.”

Collins takes pride in hearing such compliments and considers it part of his job to lift up the spirits of those around him.

“You bring energy and you bring out the best in everyone,” he says. “You bring physicality. That’s what I show my teammates. So everyone has to be with me.”

Collins will try to get Texas back on track as the AFC South leaders lose their last two games and three of four. Texas is hoping Collins' return will help solve some of the issues they've had in the second half of the season.

Houston has scored just 15 points and no touchdowns after halftime in its last four games. Texas led by 16 points at the break against the Lions before losing 26-23 in the second half.

“I want to change that up,” he said. “Add another piece, another weapon out there. ... Every time I touch the ball, I try to score, and just bringing that juice and having another playmaker helps the offense a lot. I can’t wait to get out there and play.” 토토사이트