Collins is still working his way back from a stint on IR thanks to his hamstring injury, while Thielen has had his practice window opened for two weeks since suffering a hamstring injury of his own back in Week 3. The absence of Collins in Houston’s offense has left QB C.J. Stroud and the Texans passing game dead in the water, with RB Joe Mixon quite literally carrying the full weight of the offense on his shoulders over the past few games. The slump in the air was hallmarked by an abysmal sub-100 yard passing game by C.J. Stroud a few weeks ago against the Packers, and with Stefon Diggs out for the season, as well, the Texans have been unable to shake out of the funk with just Tank Dell as a notable pass catcher this season. There’s still a chance that Collins could suit up this week, but it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see Houston ultimately play it safe with the start WR. He’ll be an immediate WR1 once he re-enters the lineup. As for Thielen, the runway for opportunity is much clearer with Diontae Johnson out of the picture. We saw Bryce Young and Thielen flash some rapport early last season, and he could be worth a look in flex spots in a decent matchup against the Giants this week. Long term, Thielen offers WR3 upside as long as he can stay healthy despite being part of an uninspiring Carolina offense.