The Houston Texans already started their season with a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills, and may have more disappointment coming after a sudden injury this week. Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins reportedly injured his hamstring during Wednesday's team practice. According to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter, Collins met with doctors regarding the injury, and they "don't believe it's serious." However, Schefter called Collins' status "in jeopardy" for playing in his team's next game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
As of this writing, Collins is listed as questionable on the Texans' injury report, but the injury is still concerning. Collins, now in his fifth season with the Texans, was the team's top receiver in their recent 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished with seven receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Read more: Baker Mayfield Draws Attention in Surprising Jersey at Buccaneers Media Session He was the team's top receiver last season, too, tallying 1,117 yards and six touchdowns on 71 receptions. Losing Collins for a significant stretch could be a serious blow for a Texans team that's already started 0-1. Collins hasn't played a full season in his career, as injuries have limited or sidelined him in previous NFL seasons.
That included a shoulder injury in 2021 and a season-ending foot injury in 2022. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5 of his 2024 season against the Buffalo Bills. Collins missed five games that season, and despite his absence, the Texans still finished 10-7 and reached the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
It's still early in this season, but the last thing Houston needs is to lose their star receiver. Last year's third-round pick, Jaylin Noel, is listed behind Collins on the Texans' depth chart. Additionally, the Texans could rely on their offseason acquisition Kayshon Boutte and receiver Xavier Hutchinson in Week 2.
Houston's potential injury issue arrives as they look to contend with Joe Burrow and the Bengals, who are coming off a 33-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While they seemed to keep up with Allen and the Bills, they did so with Collins contributing to their offense in a losing effort. The Houston Texans host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m.
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