The Houston Texans are already facing a tough Week 2 matchup against the Bengals, but it just got a whole lot tougher. Top receiver Nico Collins has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game, a massive blow to their passing attack. This team is coming off a Week 1 loss to the Bills, and now they’ll have to find offensive firepower from somewhere else.
Collins’ Absence Is a Massive Problem for Houston’s Attack
Collins pulled his hamstring during practice on Wednesday, and he couldn’t get back on the field for Thursday or Friday. That’s a huge deal. This isn’t just some guy, this is Houston’s top receiver, the player who was supposed to anchor their aerial assault. You saw what he did in Week 1, right? Seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in their tough loss to the Bills. He was the main guy, the spark plug for that offense. Now he’s out, and that’s a big piece missing against Cincinnati, making an already challenging game even harder.
Other Key Players Out, But Some Good News Emerges
But it’s not just Collins. The Texans are dealing with a whole slate of injuries that will make Sunday’s game a true grind. Starting guard Ed Ingram, a crucial part of their offensive line, was limited on Thursday with a groin injury and couldn’t practice on Friday. So he’s out. Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, dealing with a knee issue, also missed Friday’s practice and won’t be playing. Linebacker Jake Hummel, with a groin injury, didn’t practice Friday either and is out for the game. That’s four significant players ruled out! On the bright side, offensive tackle Trent Brown, who’s been managing a hand and wrist issue, and linebacker Wade Woodaz, with a thumb injury, were both full participants on Friday. They don’t even have a game status and are fully expected to play, which offers at least some relief. Still, four players sidelined for Week 2 is a tough pill to swallow for any team.
The Texans are at home at Reliant Stadium this Sunday, set to kick off against the Bengals at 1 p.m. ET. They’re coming off a tough Week 1 loss to the Bills, and now they’ve got to face a strong Cincinnati squad without their top wideout and three other key guys. How do they adjust? Who steps up? This Week 2 game is going to be a real test of their depth and grit.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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