Nico Collins’ hamstring injury is putting the Texans in a tough spot early, and the latest update suggests this could stretch beyond a one-week absence.
Houston already ruled the wide receiver out for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals after he was hurt during practice this week. Collins also missed the Texans’ Thursday and Friday sessions, and the expectation now is that he could sit for multiple games while he recovers.
Aaron Wilson reported that Collins has a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and that the current outlook is for him to miss two games, including Sunday against the Bengals and next week’s road matchup with the Colts. Wilson added that the situation is fluid, but hamstrings can be tricky. Collins will not be placed on injured reserve at this point.
The injury comes at a time when Collins was set up to be a central piece of Houston’s passing attack again in 2026. He entered the season as a major part of the offense after emerging as C.J. Stroud’s top receiving target, and he wasted no time showing that role in Week 1.
Against the Buffalo Bills, Collins caught seven of 10 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown. He also ran once for seven yards, giving the Texans an early jolt from one of their most important playmakers.
Now Houston has to figure out how to move forward without him. Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson and Kayshon Boutte are among the receivers expected to see more work while Collins is sidelined. Dalton Schultz could also be leaned on more heavily in the passing game after finishing Week 1 with four catches, giving Stroud another familiar option as the Texans adjust.
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