Nico Collins missed the media-access portion of Houston’s Wednesday practice, adding to uncertainty about whether the Texans wide receiver will play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3. Collins has now been absent from three straight practice sessions after sustaining a Grade 1 hamstring strain before Houston’s Week 2 game against Cincinnati.
Tight end Dalton Schultz, offensive linemen Trent Brown and Ed Ingram, and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney also were not seen during the portion of practice available to reporters. The source did not provide further details about the players’ statuses.
Collins missed Houston’s game against the Bengals, and his absence affected the team’s receiving production. No Texans wide receiver finished that game with more than three catches or 40 yards. Schultz led the passing attack with 12 receptions for 140 yards, while Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte and Jaylin Noel combined for seven catches.
The Texans enter the week with an 0-2 record. If Collins cannot play against Indianapolis, those three receivers would be expected to carry a larger role, while offensive coordinator Nick Caley would have to prepare the offense for another game without its top wideout.
Collins’ availability for Week 3 is not yet clear, and the source said he could instead return for Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.
