The Houston Texans have brought rookie wide receiver Lewis Bond up from their practice squad for their Week 2 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. The move comes with two-time Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins unavailable for the game.
Bond was elevated through the standard practice squad process, according to the team. He is the second player Houston has added this way for the matchup, following veteran safety and All-Pro special teams player George Odum.
Houston selected Bond in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft with the 204th overall pick. He was later released when the Texans reduced their roster to 53 players, a decision that drew attention because of his training-camp work, offensive fit and popularity with fans. Bond then returned to the practice squad, making him eligible for the call-up.
Collins is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring injury. A league-source report cited in the original coverage said the current expectation was that the injury could keep him out for two games, including the Cincinnati matchup and the following game on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. His status beyond that remains unclear, and the report described the situation as subject to change.
Bond has two additional practice-squad elevations available before Houston would need to place him on the 53-player roster or select another option. Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne and Jaylin Noel are listed ahead of him among the Texans' receivers, though the rookie is expected to play in some capacity.
