Nico Collins will not play when the Houston Texans host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 because of a Grade 1 hamstring injury. His absence gives quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense a different receiving plan for the game.
The injury happened during Wednesday’s practice. Collins then sat out the team’s last two practices of the week before Houston listed him as out on its final injury report. His availability for the Texans’ next game against the Indianapolis Colts has not been decided.
Collins began the season with seven receptions, 75 receiving yards and a touchdown in Houston’s 36-31 loss to Buffalo. The source also identified him as one of the Texans’ most productive offensive players during the past three seasons.
Houston is expected to distribute Collins’ role among several receivers, including Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel. Boutte could have an increased role after joining the team late in the offseason. The Texans also have fewer established options at receiver after Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
