What happened to Nico Collins? Latest injury update after Texans star WR ruled out vs Bengals

The Houston Texans received tough news ahead of their Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals after wide receiver Nico Collins was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Collins picked up the issue during Wednesday’s practice and could not return to the field during the rest of the week.The Nico Collins injury came at a difficult time for Houston. The star receiver had just opened the 2026 season against the Buffalo Bills, catching seven passes on 10 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown. Now, the Texans will have to face Cincinnati without one of their most important offensive players.What is Nico Collins’ injury and will he play in Week 2?Collins is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring injury that he suffered during Wednesday’s practice, according to league sources. He missed Thursday and Friday’s practices before the Texans officially ruled him out on their final injury report.The injury has been described as mild, but Houston has taken a cautious approach with its star receiver. Collins’ availability for Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts remains uncertain, so the Texans will likely monitor his recovery closely over the next several days.That caution also comes from Collins’ injury history. A similar hamstring problem in 2024 forced him to miss five games and spend time on injured reserve. The Texans will therefore want to avoid rushing him back and risking another setback.Collins had already made an impact in the opening game of the season. He led Houston in receiving against Buffalo, finishing with seven receptions on 10 targets for 75 yards and a touchdown. His absence now leaves a major gap in C.J. Stroud’s passing attack.The Texans also entered the season with fewer options at wide receiver. Jayden Higgins is dealing with a torn ACL, while Tank Dell remains on injured reserve. Houston therefore has fewer proven receivers available to replace Collins. How will Texans replace Nico Collins against the Bengals?Houston is expected to use a committee approach at wide receiver against Cincinnati rather than asking one player to completely replace Collins.Adam J. Wexler explained the expected adjustment on Sportstalk 790.“If he does not play, they will not go into that game with four active wide receivers,” Wexler said. “They will activate somebody or elevate somebody from the practice squad at the bare minimum.”Wexler also explained that the fifth wide receiver could look different from the player Houston used in Week 1.“I don't think they would need to sign somebody at this point, following along with the Collins injury. So they'll suit up five, but there'll be a difference between the fifth wide receiver this week and the fifth wide receiver last week.”Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel could see more opportunities with Collins unavailable. Tight end Dalton Schultz could also become a bigger part of the passing game as Stroud looks for other reliable targets.The Texans will now try to move forward without their top receiver against Cincinnati. Collins’ injury does not currently appear to be a long-term problem, but his history with hamstring issues gives Houston another reason to take things slowly. His progress next week should provide a clearer picture of whether he can return against the Colts.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.