Texans WR Depth Chart: Tank Dell Rises to WR1 Amid Injuries to Collins and Diggs

By Holden Musick

October 31, 1:30 am CDT

The Houston Texans find themselves at 6-2, leading the AFC South as they approach a Week 9 clash against the New York Jets for Thursday Night Football. However, injuries have shaken up the Texans’ offensive strategy, especially in the receiving corps.

The Texans’ primary wide receiver, Nico Collins, landed on injured reserve after sustaining a right hamstring injury in Week 5. Although Collins is sidelined for Thursday’s game, there’s optimism as he hasn’t faced setbacks and is anticipated to return in Week 10 against the Lions.

The Texans’ troubles compound with the loss of their No. 2 receiver, Stefon Diggs, who tore his ACL last week against the Colts. With Diggs ruled out for the season, Houston will battle the Jets without its top two wideouts. Here’s a look at the updated Texans WR depth chart:

Texans WR Depth Chart:

1. Nico Collins (short-term IR)

2. Tank Dell

3. Xavier Hutchinson

4. Robert Woods

5. John Metchie III

6. Steven Sims

Tank Dell: WR1 Opportunity

Tank Dell, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had a promising rookie season, building a quick connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Unfortunately, Dell’s debut season ended early due to a fractured leg in October. While he returned healthy in 2024, Houston’s offseason additions of Diggs and running back Joe Mixon pushed Dell down the depth chart. Now, with Collins and Diggs out, Dell will step into the WR1 role against the Jets.

Year Games Targets Receptions Receiving Yards Receiving TDs

2023 11 75 47 709 7

2024 7 38 24 229 2

Xavier Hutchinson: Expanded Role

Drafted in the sixth round in 2023, Hutchinson hasn’t seen as many snaps as Dell. However, Week 9 will be his chance to step up with increased targets and showcase his skills.

Year Games Targets Receptions Receiving Yards Receiving TDs

2023 16 19 8 90 0

2024 8 10 5 64 0

Robert Woods: Veteran Presence

The veteran Woods, drafted in 2013, brings experience to Houston’s young roster. With a career spanning four teams, Woods has become a reliable target and mentor for the Texans’ receiving corps.

Team Games Targets Receptions Receiving Yards Receiving TDs

Bills 57 345 203 2,451 12

Rams 68 552 367 4,629 23

Titans 15 91 53 527 2

Texans 20 82 45 472 1

John Metchie III: Comeback Story

Second-round pick John Metchie III missed his rookie season while recovering from leukemia, but he returned in 2023. With the current roster changes, Metchie could see a boost in targets.

Year Games Targets Receptions Receiving Yards Receiving TDs

2023 16 30 16 158 0

2024 5 5 4 36 0

Steven Sims: Special Teams Standout

Sims, an undrafted player in 2019, joined the Texans after stints with the Commanders and Steelers. Known for his contributions on special teams, Sims is yet to play in 2024 but remains an option for depth.

Team Games Targets Receptions Receiving Yards Receiving TDs

Commanders 28 93 61 310 5

Steelers 12 23 14 104 0

Texans 3 3 3 25 0

As the Texans prepare for Thursday’s game, all eyes will be on Dell, Hutchinson, and Woods to step up and keep Houston’s offense rolling.