Texans to be without Nico Collins in Week 2

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Texans to be without Nico Collins in Week 2

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 18, 2026 1:39 PM ET

Despite allowing 36 points in Week 1, the Houston Texans had a lot to look forward to heading into Week 2.

The offense put up 31 points and a big reason for that was the steady and consistent connection between quarterback C.J. Stroud and star wide receiver Nico Collins.

Houston got bad news about Collins, though, as he won't be able to take the field in Week 2.

Nico Collins is not expected to play

According to Texans insider Aaron Wilson, Collins did not participate in practice Friday, and he will miss Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Collins reportedly suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain during Wednesday's practice, and it appears that will cause him to miss at least one game.

#Texans Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins not practicing Friday morning, and not expected to play Sunday after sustaining Grade 1 hamstring injury Wednesday during practice, per league source@KPRC2
Also not practicing during open portion: Jadeveon Clowney (knee), Ed Ingram (groin) https://t.co/kOw4ThnyAA pic.twitter.com/tHGIhYp7jf
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 18, 2026

#Texans officially ruled out Nico Collins, Ed Ingram, Jadeveon Clowney and Jake Hummel
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 18, 2026

Who will C.J. Stroud be able to turn to without Nico Collins?

While the Texans still await the return of Tank Dell, the options behind Collins are a bit inexperienced and unproven. Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson will become the top targets out wide with tight end Dalton Schultz being an option as well.

The lack of experience in the pass game could mean a major workload on the ground between running backs David Montgomery and Woody Marks.

How long will Nico Collins be out?

The severity of Collins' hamstring strain will ultimately determine the length of time he is forced to miss. Best-case scenario would cause Collins to miss just one week of action, while the worst-case scenario would mean a 3-4 week recovery.

Houston's offense without Collins struggled last season, so that will certainly be something to keep in mind if the offense does look sluggish at times on Sunday against the Bengals.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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