Houston Texans Without Top Wide Receivers at Wednesday Practice

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills might have a tough time in his return to starting duties. Wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins both missed Wednesday's practice, jeopardizing their availability for Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

Wednesday’s #HOUvsDAL injury report. pic.twitter.com/AxY6wLQi1V
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 7, 2022

Cooks missed Week 13's 27-14 loss to the Cleveland Browns due to an ailing calf. Collins played his typical number of snaps but apparently picked up a foot injury sometime during the game. He nabbed three of his 10 targets for 35 yards and one touchdown.

Should Cooks and Collins both miss Week 14, the Texans passing attack could be in for a long afternoon. Quarterback Davis Mills is set to make his first start since being benched in favor of Kyle Allen two weeks ago, and he'll be facing a Cowboys defense that has allowed the third-fewest points in the league and the fifth-fewest yards. Cooks and Collins are the Texans' two leading receivers. Cooks' 44 receptions for 520 yards both rank first on the team, and Collins' 37 receptions for 481 yards rank second.

At 1-10-1, the Texans are hurtling toward the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. If they prioritize the pursuit of whoever they deem college football's top prospect over the success of Mills, it may not really matter if Cooks and Collins don't see the field on Sunday. In fact, it may suit them.