NFL

Nico Collins returns to boost winless Texans against Cowboys

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 3, 2026, 02:54 IST

The Houston Texans receive a major offensive lift as star wide receiver Nico Collins returns from a hamstring injury for Sunday's crucial Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Nico Collins returns to boost winless Texans against Cowboys

The Houston Texans have received a significant boost ahead of their Week 4 clash with the Dallas Cowboys, with star wide receiver Nico Collins confirmed to return to the lineup. The Pro Bowl playmaker has been sidelined for the past two weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during practice in the lead-up to the team's Week 2 fixture.

Collins, who participated in practice sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday this week, was forced to miss the team's recent outings against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts. His absence coincided with a difficult stretch for the Texans, who currently hold an 0-3 record and are looking to secure their first victory of the season this Sunday.

Offensive impact and team outlook

The return of the explosive wideout is expected to provide a much-needed spark for a Houston offense that has struggled to find consistency in his absence. During the two games Collins missed, the Texans averaged just 11.5 points per contest. In contrast, the team managed to put up 31 points in their season opener, a game in which Collins was active and featured prominently.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the specific threat Collins poses to opposing defensive units. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ryans highlighted the receiver's ability to change the complexion of a game, noting that defenses are forced to adjust their schemes specifically to account for his presence on the field. The coach expressed optimism about having such a dynamic playmaker back in the fold for this critical juncture of the season.

Must-win territory for Houston

With the Texans sitting at 0-3, Sunday's game against Dallas carries significant weight for their postseason aspirations. History suggests the odds are stacked against teams starting 0-4, with the 1992 San Diego Chargers remaining the only team to reach the playoffs after such a start. Despite the current winless record and the disappointment surrounding their early-season performance, the organization remains focused on turning their campaign around.

The team is also set to receive reinforcements on the offensive line, with starting right guard Ed Ingram returning to the lineup after missing the previous two games. As the Texans look to replicate their late-season surge from 2025, where they won 12 of their final 14 games, the return of key personnel like Collins and Ingram is viewed as a vital step toward stabilizing their performance and securing a necessary win.