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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins will miss Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals after suffering a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s practice.
Collins was limited in Wednesday’s session after tweaking his hamstring and did not practice Thursday or Friday. The Texans officially ruled him out Friday.
The injury is not believed to be serious, according to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, but it will keep Collins sidelined for at least Sunday’s game.
Collins opened the season with seven receptions on 10 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s 31-28 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 27-year-old has led the Texans in receiving in each of the past three seasons and has recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards in each campaign.
Texans Lose Another Key Wide Receiver
Collins’ absence adds to Houston’s problems at wide receiver.
The Texans already lost Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL during a preseason practice. Higgins, a 2025 second-round pick, entered the season projected to line up alongside Collins after recording 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a rookie.
Houston also remains without Tank Dell, who is still on the injured list while recovering from the knee injury he suffered during the 2024 season.
The Texans acquired Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in late August to add depth to the position. Boutte could now play a larger role alongside Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel and Jared Wayne against Cincinnati.
Houston also has several tight ends who could see increased involvement if the Texans adjust their offensive personnel without Collins.
Collins’ Production Leaves Void
Collins has established himself as one of Houston’s most important offensive weapons, making his absence a significant change for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud completed passes to 11 different players in the season opener, giving the Texans several options to compensate for Collins’ absence. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley also expressed confidence in the team’s depth before the Texans ruled Collins out.
“The good thing about the offense is we have a lot of guys that we have trust in,” Caley said. “C.J. does a good job distributing the football.”
Collins also dealt with a hamstring injury in 2024 that landed him on injured reserve and caused him to miss five games.
The Texans will now look to their remaining receivers and tight ends to fill the void against a Bengals defense that forced four turnovers in its season-opening win over Tampa Bay.
Houston will also be without starting right guard Ed Ingram, who cannot play because of a groin injury. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and linebacker Jake Hummel also cannot play Sunday after the team ruled them out Friday.
