TheHouston Texans are finally getting back wide receiver Nico Collins.
After practicing for three straight days, the Pro Bowl wideout has been cleared to play in Week 4's showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Collins has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury.
While Collins was limited for two straight days, it was a major step in the right direction after being out of all drills for the past two weeks. On Friday during the team's final walkthroughs, he was listed as a full-time participant.
The team all but confirmed Friday that Collins would play with a video of his return to the field.
Coming soon to a screen near you 😏 pic.twitter.com/qdYae2v0aK
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 2, 2026
“We're excited to have Nico back out at practice. Everyone understands and knows the type
of player Nico is," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "He's an explosive playmaker anytime he's touching the ball, anytime he's on the field; he's a threat. Defenses have to prepare for him and they have to do different things to adjust for him, so we're happy to have Nico back out practicing this week.”
Collins wasn't alone in his return to drills. Starting right guard Ed Ingram practiced for the first time since Week 1 after missing the past two games with a groin issue. Meanwhile, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney also returned after a knee injury, though Ryans said Monday that his status is considered week-to-week entering Sunday.
Ingram, who was listed as a full participant, was listed as questionable for Sunday's showdown against the Lone Star State team. As for Clowney, he did not practice and was also listed as questionable.
Ingram and Clowney are a welcome duo back in the lineup, but Collins was a must-have return in the lineup after Houston's woeful passing game over the past two weeks.
Still sitting winless, Houston's offense has scored just 23 points after totaling 31 in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
Collins, a three-time 1,000-yard playmaker, finished with seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, but he also opened up the passing attack for other weapons.
A combination of Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne tried to bolster up the passing game without him, but the results have been limited at best.
"I think getting Nico back is going to be helpful. I think just using our guys that we have the right way," Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. "I think just being explosive with the ball in your hands. If that's running the ball, if that's getting a short pass and making RAC or YAC, whatever you want to call it. Just making sure that when we get the ball in our hands, we're making plays and it's my job to distribute it."
The Texans kick off on Sunday at Noon. The game will be televised on FOX.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Nico Collins injury update: Latest on Texans WR before Cowboys game
