The Houston Texans just got hit with a massive blow before Week 2, with two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins officially ruled out for their game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This isn’t just a minor setback; it’s a critical hit to their offense, especially after Collins lit up Week 1.
Houston’s Receiving Corps Is Crumbling
Collins was on fire in Week 1, hauling in seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills. This guy is a certified stud, widely recognized as one of the best X receivers in the league, coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl campaigns and three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 yards and six scores. But a hamstring injury he picked up during Wednesday’s practice kept him out of practice on Thursday and Friday, forcing the team to rule him out for Sunday. While the injury isn’t considered “serious,” it’s enough to sideline their top weapon, and that spells trouble.
A Brutal Depth Chart Battle for the Texans
As if losing Collins wasn’t bad enough, the Texans’ wide receiver depth chart is already reeling. Jayden Higgins, who was supposed to be their number two, is out for the entire year with a torn ACL suffered in preseason practice. Plus, the explosive Tank Dell is still on injured reserve, not yet ready to return from a devastating knee injury from 2024. That means for Sunday, Houston will likely roll with Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, and Jared Wayne as their primary receivers. They also have Lewis Bond, Josh Kelly, Daniel Sobkowicz, and Mitchell Tinsley on the practice squad. With five tight ends on the roster, including Dalton Schultz and Foster Moreau, expect the Texans to lean heavily into 12 and 13 personnel to try and compensate for Collins’ absence.
The Bengals’ defense actually looked somewhat improved in Week 1, forcing four turnovers against the Buccaneers, though they did allow 5.4 yards per play. Houston’s offense managed 5.2 yards per play against Buffalo, but their run game was inconsistent, with David Montgomery averaging just three yards per carry despite scoring three total touchdowns. Without Collins to open up the field, Week 2 is going to be an even tougher fight for the Texans’ offense.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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