HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Texans moved Nico Collins to the reserve/injured list on Wednesday.

That means they’ll be without the NFL’s leading receiver for at least a month.

DeMeco Ryans assessed a big loss because of the Texans’ offense.

“Unfortunately we won’t have Nico. He’s a great player, he’s been a great player for us all year. Best receiver in the league. But he’ll take the time to get healthy,” Ryans said, adding that Collins will be back at some point this season.

The Texans know that hamstring injuries take time to heal, and they also understand that they will have to continue without him for the time being.

In an apparent nod to Collins and his desire to compete and play with his teammates, Xavier Hutchinson told ABC13 his biggest concern is Collins’ mental outlook as he works to recover from his injury.

“I really care about how he’s doing mentally,” Hutchinson said. ‘I just take care of him. I respect him and I care about him very much.”

Hutchinson is one of the players expected to fill the void while Collins recovers. No one can replace what Collins has brought to the Texans offense this season: an NFL-best 32 catches, 567 yards and three touchdowns.

But Hutchinson will be ready.

“I always tried to prepare like I was a starter,” he said. “I think it helped me a lot.”

Of course, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell will also be counted on, along with other weapons like tight end Dalton Schultz.

Rookie running back Joe Mixon did not participate in today’s practice.

But as a backup, Dameon Pierce returned to some infield work. The Texans are hopeful that Pierce can play in New England on Sunday.

For more on this story, follow Greg Bailey on Facebook, X and Instagram.