Nico Collins cleared to play after hamstring issue
Nico Collins returned to full practice on Friday and is set to play in Sunday's home game against the Dallas Cowboys. Collins missed the previous two games after hurting his hamstring in practice on Sept. 16.
The timeline for Collins’ return accelerated late in the week. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to full participation on Friday, a move that cleared the way for him to be active this weekend.
The Texans will be without several contributors. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (groin) has been ruled out for the game. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (knee), guard Ed Ingram (groin), defensive end Logan Hall (knee) and linebacker Jake Hanson (calf) are listed as questionable. The team also placed running back British Brooks on injured reserve Friday with a hamstring issue.
Joey Porter Jr. progressing toward a potential debut
Joey Porter Jr. has practiced the last two days and is moving in the right direction to make his debut on Sunday against the Texans, Dallas News reports. The reporting notes Porter has been getting work late in the week after a period of limited participation earlier in the season.
Coaches would prefer to have him available, the reporting added, but his status is being handled with the usual game-week evaluations that follow practice availability. Porter’s ramp-up and the Texans’ injury list set up a matchup to watch on Sunday if he is activated.
What to watch on game day
Collins’ return restores a familiar target and will factor into the Texans’ offensive game plan after his hamstring recovery and two-game absence. How the Texans manage the questionable list — particularly Clowney, Ingram, Hall and Hanson — will affect both run-game blocking and pass-defense matchups.
If Porter is active, his participation late in the week suggests he could play a role in the opposing team’s plans to handle Houston’s passing game. Otherwise, the Texans will enter the game with at least one key offensive piece back in the lineup and several defensive questions to resolve at kickoff.
Friday’s practice reports give a snapshot: Collins is back, several Texans are listed as questionable, and Joey Porter Jr. is moving in the right direction to make his debut.
