Nico Collins was not present during the portion of the Houston Texans' Wednesday practice available to reporters, adding to uncertainty about whether the wide receiver will play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3. Multiple reports listed Collins among the players who did not participate in that session.
Tight end Dalton Schultz, offensive linemen Trent Brown and Ed Ingram, and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney also were reported absent from the open portion of practice. Collins has missed the Texans' past three practice sessions after sustaining a Grade 1 hamstring strain before the team's Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The injury kept Collins out against Cincinnati, where no Texans wide receiver finished with more than three receptions or 40 receiving yards. Schultz led the team's passing production with 12 catches for 140 yards. Collins' availability for the Colts matchup will depend on how he progresses through the rest of the week.
The report said Collins could remain out until Week 4, when the Texans are scheduled to face the Dallas Cowboys, though that possibility has not been confirmed. Houston enters the Colts game with an 0-2 record, and another absence would place more responsibility on Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte and Jaylin Noel. The three receivers combined for seven catches against the Bengals.
Offensive coordinator Nick Caley and the coaching staff also face the possibility of preparing for another game without Collins. Further details about his practice status and availability were not provided.
