Nico Collins returns with two touchdowns against Cowboys

October 4 postgame update

Nico Collins returned from his two-game hamstring absence with seven catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns in Houston’s 34–30 loss to Dallas. The earlier reports below document his preparation for that game.

Updated October 2, 2026: Nico Collins completed a full Friday practice and has no injury designation for Houston’s October 4 home game against Dallas. Azeez Al-Shaair and M.J. Stewart are out; Jadeveon Clowney remains questionable.

Is Nico Collins playing against the Cowboys?

Friday’s report removes the hamstring-related game-status uncertainty recorded earlier in the week. It does not establish a snap count or promise a particular workload. Collins progressed from limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday to full participation Friday.

Who is out, questionable or cleared?

• Out: Azeez Al-Shaair and M.J. Stewart.
• Questionable: Jadeveon Clowney, Logan Hall, Jake Hansen and Ed Ingram.
• No game designation: Nico Collins, Will Anderson Jr., Calen Bullock, Trent Brown and Wade Woodaz.

Full participation and game availability are separate measures: Hansen and Ingram practiced fully Friday but remained questionable. Clowney did not practice Friday after two limited sessions.

When is Texans–Cowboys?

Kickoff is Sunday, October 4 at noon CDT (1 p.m. EDT) at Reliant Stadium. Local television coverage includes FOX-26 in Houston and FOX 4 in Dallas–Fort Worth. Follow the Cowboys–Texans game center for the matchup.

October 3 roster update: British Brooks placed on injured reserve

Houston placed running back British Brooks on the Reserve/Injured list on October 2. He must miss at least four games before he could return. That minimum absence is a roster requirement, not a recovery forecast or a confirmed activation date. The transaction announcement did not specify an injury diagnosis.

Earlier in the week: practice return and roster changes

Nico Collins returned to Texans practice on a limited basis Wednesday after missing two games with a hamstring injury. Guard Ed Ingram was also limited following a groin injury, while linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair sat out with a groin problem.

Jadeveon Clowney was back on the field too, although coach DeMeco Ryans still described his status as week to week.

Houston separately announced that defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. was placed on injured reserve. The club promoted defensive end Chris Braswell from the practice squad to the active roster, giving it another option on the defensive front.

The Texans also added three players to the practice squad: defensive tackle Aaron Graves, linebacker Caleb Johnson and receiver Treyvhon Saunders. Receiver Bryce Oliver was released.

Cowboys next

At the start of the practice week, Collins’ return allowed Houston to assess his progress without yet confirming his availability.

October 1 update: four defenders return to full practice

Collins remained limited Thursday, as did Jadeveon Clowney and Ed Ingram. Houston had not issued a game designation for Collins in its Thursday report, so his return against Dallas was still unconfirmed at that stage.

There was progress elsewhere: Will Anderson Jr., Calen Bullock, Logan Hall and M.J. Stewart moved from limited participation Wednesday to full work Thursday. Tackle Trent Brown returned on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday. Azeez Al-Shaair missed a second straight practice.