NFLSep 25
Texans rule out Nico Collins as Houston looks to avoid 0-3 start
Houston heads to Indianapolis without its Pro Bowl receiver again, putting pressure on the remaining wideouts and a struggling running game.
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Collins sidelined again
The injury is less severe than the hamstring problem that sent Collins to injured reserve after Week 5 in 2024 and kept him out for five games. His next opportunity to return comes in Week 4, when the Texans host the Dallas Cowboys.
Passing yards have not translated into touchdowns
Houston’s challenge is turning offensive production into points. C.J. Stroud passed for 353 yards in last week’s 20-6 defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals, but the Texans failed to score a touchdown. Across the past three games Collins has missed through injury, Houston has averaged 16 points. No receiver topped 70 receiving yards in those games, and only three surpassed 55. Dalton Schultz carried much of the passing attack against Cincinnati, catching 12 passes for 140 yards. Nobody else finished with more than 37 receiving yards.
Support needed around Stroud
Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, Jared Wayne and Kayshon Boutte will be tasked with giving Stroud more options outside the numbers against Indianapolis. The Texans also need better production on the ground to ease the burden on their passing game. Running backs Woody Marks and David Montgomery combined for just 18 yards on 14 carries against the Bengals, leaving another area in need of improvement while Collins remains unavailable.
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