Houston Texans' Nico Collins Absent from Practice with Grade 1 Hamstring Strain

18 September 2026 · Source balance: Centre

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday's practice and did not appear at Thursday's practice session. The two-time Pro Bowler was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain following medical testing. While team doctors indicated the injury is not considered serious, Collins' availability for Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals remains uncertain. Collins was limited in Wednesday's practice before being listed as a non-participant on Thursday, a development that typically signals a player's absence from the upcoming game. The 27-year-old receiver had a strong start to the season, catching seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. His potential absence is significant for Houston's offense, as Collins has been the team's leading receiver since quarterback C.J. Stroud joined four years ago. The Texans' receiving corps is already depleted with top target Jayden Higgins out for the season with a torn ACL.