Texans Rule Out Nico Collins Against Bengals With Hamstring Injury.

Houston will be without its top wide receiver Sunday after the Texans ruled Nico Collins out of their Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a hamstring injury. Collins suffered the injury during Wednesday's practice after initially taking part in the session. He was subsequently held out of practice Thursday and Friday, with Houston officially listing him as a nonparticipant on both days. The injury is not currently believed to be serious, according to a source who told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Collins met with team doctors following Wednesday's practice, and the Texans are hopeful the issue will not keep him sidelined for an extended period. The absence is significant for a Houston offense already dealing with injuries at wide receiver. Collins entered the 2026 season as the Texans' leading receiving option and opened Week 1 with seven catches on 10 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown. All three totals led Houston in its loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 27-year-old has established himself as the Texans' top receiver over the past three seasons, recording more than 1,000 receiving yards in each campaign. Houston also remains without Jayden Higgins, who suffered a torn ACL during joint practices with the Las Vegas Raiders last month. Higgins was expected to operate as the team's No. 2 receiver after recording 525 yards and six touchdowns during his rookie season.

The Texans acquired Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in late August following Higgins' injury. Boutte is now expected to have an increased role alongside Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne. Collins' absence could force quarterback C.J. Stroud to lean more heavily on the Texans' remaining receiving options against Cincinnati. Houston will also be without starting right guard Ed Ingram, who was ruled out with a groin injury.

The Texans will look to compensate for the loss of their top receiver as they try to secure their first win of the 2026 season.