The Houston Texans could reportedly enter a Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals without a key contributor. Nico Collins missed Friday morning's practice after suffering a Grade 1 hamstring injury, per KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson. The star wide receiver is not expected to play this Sunday.
Wilson noted that pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney (knee) and guard Ed Ingram (groin) also missed the portion of Friday's practice open to media. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Texans don't consider the injury to be significant, but Collins' status for this weekend remains in question. He also missed Thursday's practice after Houston listed him as a limited participant Wednesday.
Losing Collins would be a massive blow to C.J. Stroud and a Texans team looking to avoid an 0-2 start. The two-time Pro Bowler has led them in receiving in each of the last three 1,000-yard seasons.
Collins began the 2026 campaign by catching seven of 10 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown in a 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The last time Collins was sidelined, Stroud threw four interceptions in an AFC Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots. Barring a late improvement, Collins could miss a chance to face last season's No. 26 passing defense.
If he's out, the Texans may need more out of Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, and offseason acquisition Kayshon Boutte to win the AFC matchup. They're already without second-year receiver Jayden Higgins, who tore his ACL last month. Sunday's game between the Texans and Bengals kicks off at 1 p.m.
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