Texans WR Nico Collins returning to practice after month-long IR stint

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has been designated to return to practice after a month-long stint on injured reserve, the team announced Friday. The Texans now have 21 days to activate their leading receiver to the active roster.

Collins was originally placed on IR back on Oct. 9 and has missed the last four games as the Texans (6-3) went 2-2 over than span. The 25-year-old wideout injured his hamstring during Houston's Week 5 win over the Buffalo Bills , during which he exited in the first quarter after hauling in a 67-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud .

In a corresponding roster move move on Friday, Houston placed second-year offensive guard Kenyon Green on injured reserve.

Despite his extended absence, Collins' 567 receiving yards still rank 14th among wideouts as he leads the NFL in average receiving yards per game at 113.4. His imminent return to the starting lineup will provide a boost for the Texans after Stefon Diggs' season-ending ACL injury in Week 8.

Collins' status for the Texans' Sunday night game against the Detroit Lions has not yet been determined.

(Photo: Cooper Neill / )