Houston, TX – The Houston Texans are set to welcome back one of their most productive offensive weapons for Sunday’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys. Wide receiver Nico Collins participated in a full practice on Friday, confirming his availability after missing the past two contests with a hamstring strain suffered in mid‑September.
Collins returns to a high‑powered passing attack
Collins, a two‑time Pro Bowl selection, has been a cornerstone of the Texans’ aerial game since entering the league as a third‑round pick in 2021. In the season‑opening loss to the Buffalo Bills, he logged seven receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. The 27‑year‑old has surpassed the 1,000‑yard receiving mark in each of the last three seasons, posting a career‑best 1,297 yards in 2023. To date, he has compiled 296 catches for 4,422 yards and 25 touchdowns in 67 games, 53 of which he started, all with the Texans.
His return bolsters a receiving corps that has been thin on the injury list. The Texans will also be without linebacker Azeez Al‑Shaair (groin) and safety M.J. Stewart (knee), both ruled out for the matchup. Defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney and Logan Hall, guard Ed Ingram, and linebacker Jake Hansen are listed as questionable, while running back British Brooks has been placed on injured reserve.
Cowboys prepare rookie Joey Porter Jr. for his debut
Across the field, the Dallas Cowboys are gearing up to give rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. a chance to contribute on Sunday. Porter was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade on Wednesday, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team has a clear plan for his role if he is cleared to play. “I think we’ve got a really good plan that if he does play, where we’ll use him and what that will look like,” Schottenheimer told reporters on Friday.
Dallas also dealt with its own injury concerns. Cornerback Cobie Durant and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown were ruled out with hamstring injuries, while safety Malik Hooker returned to full practice after missing the previous two games with a forearm issue.
Implications for the divisional showdown
The Texans enter the game with a 0‑3 record, while the Cowboys sit at 1‑2. Both teams are looking to improve their standing in the AFC South and NFC East, respectively. Collins’ return gives Houston a reliable target for quarterback Davis Mills, who will need his veteran presence to move the chains against a Cowboys secondary that has shown vulnerability in recent weeks.
For Dallas, integrating Porter Jr. could add depth to a secondary that has been tested by high‑powered passing attacks. The rookie’s speed and ball skills were praised during his college career at Penn State, and the Cowboys hope his addition will help shore up coverage against Houston’s passing threats.
Looking ahead
Both clubs will continue to monitor the health of key players as the season progresses. The Texans will assess the status of Al‑Shaair and Stewart after the game, while the Cowboys will evaluate the recovery of Durant and Overshown. Sunday’s contest offers a chance for the Texans to snap a three‑game losing streak and for the Cowboys to solidify their position in the NFC East.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
