The Houston Texans have elevated rookie wide receiver Lewis Bond for their Week 2 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, giving Houston its second standard practice-squad elevation for the game. Veteran safety and special-teams contributor George Odum was the first player elevated.
The move comes as Nico Collins, a two-time Pro Bowl receiver, is set to miss the game. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, quoting a league source, reported that Collins has a Grade 1 hamstring injury. Wilson said Collins might also sit out the next game against the Indianapolis Colts, though the situation could still change.
Houston chose Bond at No. 204 overall in the 2026 NFL draft, taking him in the sixth round. The Texans later released him while reducing their roster to 53 players, then placed him on the practice squad. Bond can be elevated twice more before Houston must put him on the 53-man roster or select another player.
Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson, Jared Wayne and Jaylin Noel are expected to be used before Bond at receiver, although his role against Cincinnati has not been specified. Before the draft, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein praised Bond’s dependable hands and contested-catch ability. Zierlein also cited trouble gaining separation against press and man coverage, while saying motion or bunch formations could aid his contributions.
