Houston has elevated rookie wide receiver Lewis Bond from its practice squad for the Texans' Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It is the team's second standard practice-squad elevation for the matchup, after veteran safety and special-teams player George Odum.
Nico Collins, a two-time Pro Bowl receiver, will miss the game. KPRC 2 reporter Aaron Wilson, citing a league source, reported that Collins has a Grade 1 hamstring injury and could also miss the following game against the Indianapolis Colts. Wilson said the situation remains subject to change.
Houston selected Bond in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft, 204th overall, then released him during its roster reductions to 53 players and brought him back to the practice squad. He has two more practice-squad call-ups available before the Texans must add him to the 53-man roster or select another player.
Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne and Jaylin Noel are expected to play ahead of Bond at receiver. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein previously credited Bond's reliable hands and contested-catch ability, while citing concerns about his separation against press and man coverage. His role against Cincinnati was not provided.