After entering the 2026 NFL season with high expectations, the Houston Texans have stumbled into a 0-2 start.
Although the Texans lost their Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the offense put together an encouraging performance after struggling last season. However, during the following week of practice, star receiver Nico Collins suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain. This ruled him out of the Texans’ Week 2 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
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The Offense Stalls Without Collins
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) catches a pass before playing against the Las Vegas Raiders at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Texans clearly felt Collins’ absence, as the offensive woes that plagued them last season returned against Cincinnati. Houston suffered a frustrating 20-6 loss to the Bengals. The team moved the ball at times, but failed to find the end zone and struggled to consistently finish drives.
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With Collins out, quarterback C.J. Stroud was without his most reliable weapon. In his absence, the team failed to convert any of their four zone opportunities and finished 5-for-17 on third downs. Oddly enough, the Texans actually outgained the Bengals by 107 yards. However, much of this yardage proved empty.
The Texans’ rushing attack was nonexistent, accumulating only 18 rushing yards by running backs, meaning Stroud was forced to attempt 55 passes. With no threat of a ground game, the Bengals defense was able to lock the Texans’ passing attack down as the field condensed in the red zone.
When Will Nico Be Back?
The Texans desperately need Collins back, but head coach Demeco Ryans is still unable to provide a firm return date. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 provided a quote from Ryans, stating he is “still seeing how [Collins] progresses with his recovery.”
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As Collins continues to deal with the hamstring strain, he is currently not expected to play in the team’s Week 3 divisional matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Collins was the Texans’ leading receiver each of the previous three seasons, and led the team with 75 receiving yards in Week 1. The combination of his 6’4″ frame and high-end speed gives him an elite catch radius. His ability to haul in contested catches makes him an extremely valuable red zone threat, and one that the Texans were clearly missing on Sunday.
If Houston wants to avoid another sluggish offensive season, getting Collins back to full health will be crucial.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
