The bad news? Houston Texans Pro Bowl widereceiver Nico Collins is out for Sunday's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
The good news? This should be the last week he's out before a return in Week 4.
According to reports, Collins, who has missed two games because of a hamstring injury, has "a decent chance" to return to the Texans' lineup in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Texans will know on Wednesday is the three-time 1,000-yard playmaker is trending toward suiting up in Week 4.
The passing attack has been limited with Collins sidelined, though that's been a common theme over the past two seasons with the standout receiver out. Collins got off to a strong start in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, totaling seven catches for 75 yards
and a touchdown.
Since then, the Texans have had to rely on tight end Dalton Schultz as the lone weapon on offense. Jaylin Noel, Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne and Lewis Bond all have struggled to find consistency on the outside, totaling less than a two dozen catches through eight quarters.
Texans WR Nico Collins, already ruled out for a second straight week due to a hamstring injury, has “a decent chance” to return in Week 4 vs. the Dallas Cowboys, per source. pic.twitter.com/rmAL0nguZJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2026
Houston is already down on the offensive side, primarily at wide receiver. Tank Dell still has not been cleared from the injured reserve and will probably be at least a month away from making his debut. Meanwhile, Jayden Higgins is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in training camp.
Collins is the most consistent option in the passing game Houston has. Last season, he tallied 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. Only Schultz came close to matching his production in both receptions and receiving yards. Higgins finished with less than 600 receiving yards, but did total six touchdowns.
Knowning how dire it is for Houston to secure a win, it wouldn't be surprising to see Collins back in the lineup next for the Lone Star Showdown. The Texans need someone to upgrade their aerial attack with another playmaker.
If Collins can even be halfway healthy, it also would come at the right time as Houston tries to play its way back into the playoff picture entering October.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans receive massive positive update on Pro Bowl WR Nico Collins ahead of Cowboys game
