The Houston Texans have elevated rookie wide receiver Lewis Bond from their practice squad for the team's Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The move is the Texans' second standard practice-squad elevation for the matchup, following veteran safety and special-teams player George Odum.
Nico Collins, a two-time Pro Bowl receiver, will not play in Week 2. KPRC 2 reporter Aaron Wilson, citing a league source, reported that Collins is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring injury and could miss two games, including the Bengals matchup and the following game against the Indianapolis Colts. Wilson also reported that the situation remains subject to change.
Bond was selected by Houston in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft with the 204th overall pick. He was later released during the team's roster reductions to 53 players and subsequently returned to the Texans' practice squad, making him available for the elevation.
The rookie has two additional practice-squad call-ups remaining before Houston would need to add him to its 53-man roster or choose another player. The Texans are also expected to use Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne and Jaylin Noel ahead of Bond at receiver.
Before the draft, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein credited Bond with reliable hands and the ability to make contested catches. Zierlein also identified concerns about Bond's ability to create separation against press and man coverage, while noting that motion or bunch formations could help him contribute. The extent of Bond's role against Cincinnati was not provided.
