New NFL Rumors on Nico Collins Injury, Return Timeline as Texans Tied for Worst Record in Standings

The Houston Texans reportedly could be getting their No. 1 wide receiver back in the near future.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that Nico Collins, who will miss Houston's Week 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts after he was out for a Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, has "a decent chance" to return to the Texans' lineup in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

That would be a much-needed development for Houston considering it is tied for last place in the AFC South and league as a whole at 0-2 in the early going.

Puka Nacua Surgery Decision Revealed, Latest NFL Rumors on Rams Star's Injury Timeline to Return

Collins got off to a strong start this season with seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

It was more of the same for the Michigan product, who was a back-to-back Pro Bowler in 2024 and 2025. He tallied 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns last season as the only member of the team's wide receivers to even reach the 600-yard mark.

Collins isn't the only injury to that receiver room this season, as Jayden Higgins will miss the entire campaign because of a torn ACL. What's more, Tank Dell is on injured reserve as he continues to recover from the significant knee injury he suffered during the 2024 season.

With so much firepower sidelined, quarterback C.J. Stroud has relied on tight end Dalton Schultz as his go-to option this season.

Schultz leads the team in catches (16), targets (22) and receiving yards (175) and has been a safety valve in the middle of the field through two games.

Fortunately for the Texans, it is still early in the season. They have a defense that is expected to be among the league's best and are just one game behind the 1-1 Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South with their entire divisional slate ahead of them.

It wouldn't be surprising if Collins returned to the lineup in Week 4 and energized an aerial attack in need of a boost and another healthy playmaker. And if he does, it also wouldn't be a surprise if Houston played its way back into the playoff picture despite a disappointing start.