Nico Collins will not play when the Houston Texans host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 after sustaining a Grade 1 hamstring injury. His absence leaves quarterback C.J. Stroud and Houston’s offense without one of their leading contributors from the start of the season.
The injury happened during Wednesday’s practice, and Collins did not participate in Houston’s remaining two workouts that week. The Texans then designated him as out on their final injury report. Sports.yahoo.com reported that Collins’ availability for the team’s following 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. He has ranked among the Texans’ most productive offensive players during the past three seasons.
Houston is expected to distribute Collins’ opportunities among several receivers, including Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel. Boutte could receive a larger role after joining the team later in the offseason. The Texans also are without Jayden Higgins, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
