Add The New York Post on Google Soft-tissue injuries remain an issue for Nico Collins.
The Texans’ top playmaker hurt his hamstring in practice earlier this week, and while the injury doesn’t appear to warrant an injured reserve stint, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday morning that Collins is in jeopardy of missing Sunday’s Week 2 home clash against the Bengals.
Houston badly needs his playmaking after a tough 36-31 season-opening loss to the Bills last week, and the Texans have dipped from three-point favorites to laying 2.5 points with recent trade acquisition Kayshon Boutte in line to serve as the team’s top receiver.
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) injured his hamstring during practice. AP Photo/Ashley Landis Collins missed five games in 2024 with a hamstring strain that landed him on injured reserve, and he’s also battled other soft-tissue injuries during his career, including a calf strain and a groin pull.
The superstar receiver tallied seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in last week’s shootout.
Houston is already down Jayden Higgins, who was expected to be its No. 2 receiver before tearing his ACL during practice in August.
Boutte (18 percent owned at Yahoo) immediately becomes an intriguing waiver add for fantasy football, given the Bengals’ defense was among the worst in the NFL last season.
He caught just one pass for 21 yards on two targets last week.
Tight end Dalton Schultz also figures to play a big role against the Bengals, although Cincinnati had the best expected points allowed (EPA) to opposing tight ends last year.
Nico Collins has a history of soft tissue injuries. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Their strength against tight ends stood out among a rather porous season in which the Bengals allowed 7.5 yards per pass attempt (29th) and also coughed up 6.2 yards per play (32nd).
The projected total for Bengals-Texans comes in at 45.5, though it opened at 46.5.
