Key Texans WR Letter Of  Turn Down Ahead Of Browns Game Due To Pains…

Out of the four teams in the AFC South, only the Jacksonville Jaguars were considered a serious contender going into the 2023 NFL regular season, making the AFC South one of the worst in the league overall.

That hasn’t been the case, though, as three of the four AFC South teams are 8-6 as of Week 16 of the current season.

With a record of 5-9 and the only team in the division to have already been ruled out of the playoffs, the Tennessee Titans are the only team in the division that simply couldn’t compete this year.

In Week 16, the Houston Texans, who are the most surprising team in the division this season, got some good news ahead of their matchup against the Cleveland Browns, with wide receiver Nico Collins announcing that he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.

Collins is having a career year this season with the Texans, as he’s significantly benefited from developing some much-needed chemistry with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud throughout the 2023 NFL season.

Collins has amassed 1,004 yards and six touchdowns on 60 receptions in 12 games played, setting career highs in all three categories.

As Houston continues to fight for an AFC playoff berth, Collins’ return to the field will be a positive step in the right direction.

Regretfully, Stroud is still under concussion protocol as of Thursday and is regarded as doubtful for the Browns game on Sunday.

READ MORE:

Has Rams Star Puka Nacua Ascended Past C.J. Stroud For Rookie of the Year?

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has had one of the best rookie campaigns for his position in NFL history.

But just how good has Stroud been? So good that the NFL Rookie of the Year award seemed like a sure bet. In fact, there were even whispers of MVP talk at one point.

Heading into Week 16, Stroud currently sits 12th all-time among rookies with 3,631 yards and fourth in passer rating at 98.7.

He is also second all-time among rookies in passing yards per game, meaning that if he kept up his averages, he would have come close to breaking Andrew Luck’s single-season record.

However, a concussion may have now derailed that campaign, with Stroud now set to miss his second-straight game this Sunday.

As a result, Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver sensation Puka Nacua now seems to be in poll position for the Award.

On Thursday Night Football vs. the New Orleans Saints, Nacua continued his unprecedented rookie campaign with nine catches for 164 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ critical 30-22 win over New Orleans.

And when asked about his star receiver’s rookie of the year candidacy, Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged Stroud’s success this season but thinks Nacua deserves the nod.

After the victory, McVay declared, “He’s outstanding.” “As you can see, C.J. Stroud has had a fantastic year in the league, but this guy is – he’s got my vote.” And he is truly unique. The best thing about him, though, is that he isn’t concerned with those things. He is concerned about loving this team, staying a great teammate, and keeping up his game. He’s also one of those guys you just genuinely adore.

Obviously, McVay will be a little biased toward his own player. But just how good has Nacua been? Well, just like Stroud, historically good.

As of Thursday night, Nacua has 96 catches for 1,327 yards and five touchdowns this season. For context, he now sits fifth all-time in terms of most productive rookie receiver campaigns behind Bill Groman, (1960), Ja’marr Chase (2021), Justin Jefferson (2020), and Anquan Bolden (2003).

And if Nacua holds up his average of 88.5 yards per game over the last two weeks of the regular season, he will eclipse Groman (1,473 yards) for the most receiving yards all-time by a rookie wideout.

Unfortunately for Stroud, due to his injury situation, Nacua may have just pulled ahead in the race for that award.

That said, neither player is even remotely focused on winning a postseason accolade at the moment.

Instead, they are trying to help their respective teams make a push for a Wild Card spot.

Nacua stated on Thursday, via Myles Simmons, “I think it’s cool.” For us, the postseason has already started. Playing late in December is definitely something I’m not used to, so it’s strange for me to be kind of in the playoff mindset already. Finding ways to adapt to that, then. But I’ve had a great time.