"He is our leader": Tank Dell on Stefon Diggs stepping up after Nico Collins' injury

After a terrific 2023 NFL season, the Houston Texans brought more talent in, adding Stefon Diggs to the wide receiver room. The former Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills receiver was traded to the Texan franchise after his relationship with the Western New York franchise deteriorated.

Second-year receiver Tank Dell said Diggs is the most vocal leader of the receiving corps in a Friday interview in Kay Adams' 'Up & Adams' show.

"Leader? Of course, Stefon, Stefon Diggs, he is our leader," Dell said. "But we all lead in our own ways. You know, he's more vocal than everybody because he's been in the league for about a century. ... I say the more quiet guy is Nico. Like Nico barely speaks. Just be getting to work. Nico likes to have fun, but he lets his emotions speak for himself. Like, during the game, you see Nico speak more than he does all week."

After CJ Stroud took the league by storm last season, the Texans front office decided to take advantage of his rookie deal and tried to surround him with the right pieces to compete in the AFC. They were taken out of the postseason last year by the No. 1 seed Baltimore Ravens, but this year, they look like a serious threat to the rest of the conference.

Nico Collins picked up a hamstring injury during a last-minute win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. He left the game after a 67-yard touchdown and was first considered day-to-day before her designation changed to week-to-week. He was placed on injured reserve, but no update has been offered on the player's status.

Stefon Diggs is playing at a high level in Houston

Despite being 30, an age when many receivers are slowing down, Stefon Diggs is adapting his game to make an impact on the Texans.

In five games this season, he has collected 37 receptions for 392 yards and three touchdowns. He's been a menace in the end zone, becoming a common target for CJ Stroud.

Diggs has adapted well to his new team and is getting targeted regularly. Perhaps his numbers aren't as spectacular as before, but his effectiveness remains.