The Houston Texans will be without wide receiver Nico Collins for this Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a hamstring injury.
During Wednesday’s practice, Collins—a two-time Pro Bowl selection who hauled in seven receptions for 75 yards and a score in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills—sustained the injury.
According to a report from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, Collins is sidelined with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and was unable to participate in practice on both Thursday and Friday.
This leaves Houston’s receiving corps significantly depleted as they prepare to face a Bengals squad boasting immense depth at the position.
Meanwhile, Tank Dell remains on injured reserve as he continues to recover from a major knee injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely and sidelined him for all of 2025.
Furthermore, second-year pass-catcher Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending torn ACL during training camp. While the Texans did trade for Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots over the summer, he registered only a single catch in the season opener and functions mostly as a deep target. During his tenure with New England last season, Boutte managed to exceed three receptions in just three out of 14 regular-season appearances.
Consequently, the Texans require Boutte and other receivers to increase their production on Sunday at home, especially if head coach DeMeco Ryans’ team finds itself in a shootout. Houston’s highly regarded defense had trouble stopping Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, surrendering 36 points—though the Detroit Lions experienced similar difficulties on “Thursday Night Football”—and must now focus on slowing down the formidable trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
To aid quarterback C.J. Stroud, Houston’s available receiving options will include Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne, and Jaylin Noel.
Noel, a sophomore receiver out of Iowa State, was taken by the Texans in the third round of last year’s draft. He picked up 53 yards on two catches during the opener against Buffalo, following a rookie campaign in which he registered 26 catches, 292 yards through the air, and two scores.
Both Noel and running back David Montgomery could play pivotal roles against Cincinnati, contributing to both the aerial and ground attacks.
