For the first time in two weeks,Houston Texans fans could exhale, knowing wide receiver Nico Collins was coming back to practice.
The Pro Bowl wideout returned in limited fashion on Wednesday ahead of Week 4's showdown against the Dallas Cowboys after missing the past two games with a hamstring injury. While Collins might have been limited, it's a massive step in the right direction after being out of all drills for the past two weeks.
“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.
Nico Collins #Texans back to practice pic.twitter.com/DFWeH6OwAr
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 30, 2026
Ingram and Clowney were welcomed additions back, but Collins was a must-have return in the lineup after Houston's woeful passing game 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 have tried to bolster up the passing game without him, but the result 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: Texans recieve promising update on WR Nico Collins' status ahead of Cowboys game
