Nico Collins has been ruled out of Houston’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals after sustaining a Grade 1 hamstring injury during Wednesday’s practice. He also missed the Texans’ final two workouts of the week before being designated out on the team’s last injury report.
Collins’ status for Houston’s Week 3 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts has not been determined. Aaron Wilson reported that the receiver’s availability for that game is still being evaluated, and no additional timetable for his return was provided.
Houston is expected to spread Collins’ assignments among several players. Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel are among the receivers positioned for increased opportunities. Jayden Higgins will not be available after an ACL injury ended his season.
In Houston’s 36-31 defeat to Buffalo in the season opener, Collins recorded seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. He has been one of the Texans’ most productive offensive players during the last three seasons. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw passes to 11 different players in that opener, giving Houston multiple options as the team seeks its first victory.
