Is Nico Collins playing today? Texans WR's status explored for Christmas Day showdown vs. Ravens

When the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens face off on Christmas Day, wide receiver Nico Collins is expected to cause problems for the Ravens defense, which is currently the second-worst in the league in terms of yards allowed.

The star receiver will be trying to get back on the scoreboard against a Ravens pass defense that has appeared vulnerable all season after failing to find the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs the last time out.

Although Collins and the Texans are ranked No. 4 in the AFC and have already secured the AFC South this season, they still have a chance to move up in the division if they win their final two games, including their matchup on Christmas Day.

Exploring Nico Collins' availability status for the Christmas Day game

Nico Collins is not dealing with any injury concerns and is expected to start for the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Christmas Day when the team hosts the Baltimore Ravens.

After missing five games due to a right hamstring injury, Collins finally returned to the field in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys. He hasn't missed a single Houston game since.

While the former third-round pick is expected to play on Wednesday, the Texans will be missing another wide receiver. Tank Dell caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud in the second half of last Saturday's game and was subsequently carried off the field with what looked to be a serious knee injury.

Stefon Diggs, another Texans' receiver, suffered an ACL tear in his right knee during a Week 8 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Given that neither Dell nor Diggs are expected to return this season, Stroud will likely rely even more on Collins in the passing game going forward.

How has Nico Collins performed this season?

Before sustaining a hamstring injury against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, Nico Collins was enjoying a stellar start to the season, leading the NFL in receiving yards with 567 in the first five games.

The fourth-year receiver was on track to surpass 2,000 receiving yards for the season four games into the campaign. But since he recovered from that hamstring injury, his output has decreased.

Collins currently has 60 catches for 909 yards, six touchdowns and 42 first downs despite missing a good deal of the season.