The return of explosive playmaker Nico Collins and two veteran starters provides C.J. Stroud with critical reinforcements as Houston fights to salvage their season against Dallas.
The Houston Texans could be getting a major boost at the perfect time, with three key players on track to return for Sunday's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
According to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, wide receiver Nico Collins, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and right guard Ed Ingram all practiced throughout the week and are good to go for Sunday's game. All three players have missed the past two games because of injuries, making their potential returns especially significant for a Texans team still searching for its first win of the season.
Collins is easily the biggest name of the group. Houston's top offensive weapon has been sidelined with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and his absence has been felt over the past two weeks. The Texans scored 23 total points in their losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts after putting up 31 points in the season opener.
Getting Collins back gives C.J. Stroud his top target and a player capable of changing how opposing defenses approach the entire offense. DeMeco Ryans recently described Collins as an explosive playmaker who forces defenses to make adjustments whenever he is on the field.
Ingram's return could be just as important for an offense that has struggled to establish consistency in the running game. The veteran guard missed the last two games with a groin injury, and Houston managed only 130 rushing yards combined during that stretch. His return should provide some much-needed stability up front.
Clowney's return would also give the defense another proven pass rusher alongside Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. The three-time Pro Bowler has been dealing with a knee injury and missed Houston's last two games, so getting him back adds another experienced presence to the defensive front.
The Texans enter Sunday at 0-3, making the matchup with Dallas an important opportunity to finally get things moving in the right direction. Having Collins, Ingram and Clowney back on the field gives Houston significantly more of its intended lineup as it prepares to take on the Cowboys.
After spending the last two weeks watching several important pieces sit on the sideline, Houston should have three of its most important players available when Sunday arrives.
