(SportsRadio 610) - The Texans are preparing to play their second straight game without rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, but will likely get at least two key pieces back ahead of their clash with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at NRG Stadium.
While the team has yet to formally announce a starter ahead of this weekend's pivotal game, whether it's Case Keenum or Davis Mills under center, the potential of getting the Texans leading receiver back on the field looms large. Collins missed the victory over the Titans after sustaining a calf injury on the first offensive series in the Texans' loss to the Jets the week prior.
It's the second time this season Collins has had to battle through a calf injury. The first one, suffered in a week nine win over the Tampa Buccaneers, caused him to miss just one week as well.
Collins has hauled in a career-high 60 receptions for 1,004 yards, including six touchdowns through 12 games this season. He ranks fifth in the NFL in yards per reception, averaging 16.7 yards and his 11.7 yards per target rank third highest in the league.
Veteran safety Jimmie Ward is already practicing with the team after leaving last Sunday's game with a concussion.
Ward's been an integral part of the Texans secondary this season. While he's missed five games with varying injuries, the Texans seem to just operate more efficiently when he's in centerfield as the leader and communicator he was brought in to be.
In nine games this season, Ward has compiled 32 tackles, three pass deflections and one interception.
Elsewhere, the Texans could get right tackle George Fant back on Sunday. He missed the Titans game with a hip injury while Charlie Heck started in his place, filling in admirably. In fact, Heck made key blocks on the Texans game-tying touchdown drive.
The Texans will likely be without two key defenders on Sunday with both rookie edge rusher Will Anderson (ankle/knee) and linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring) missing the first two days of practice this week. Neither practiced at all the previous week.
