Collins clears final injury report; Texans rule Al-Shaair out against Dallas

Nico Collins practiced fully Friday and carries no game designation for Houston's Sunday matchup with Dallas, according to the Texans' final Week 4 injury report. After two games out with a hamstring injury, the receiver has progressed from limited work Wednesday and Thursday to a full session before the Cowboys visit.

The report, updated Friday afternoon, gives managers a firmer availability answer than the earlier practice observations. Houston has not announced a snap limit or a workload guarantee. Collins' return to full participation supports planning for him in the lineup; it does not establish how many routes or targets he will receive.

The Texans had already welcomed him back on the field this week. Coach DeMeco Ryans described Collins as an explosive threat who changes how defenses prepare. Houston Chronicle reporter Jonathan M. Alexander also observed him at Friday's practice, following the two limited sessions.

Houston's defensive availability moved in the other direction. Middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is out with a groin injury after missing all three practices. Safety M.J. Stewart is also out with a knee injury, despite practicing fully Thursday. Both decisions are now formal game statuses.

Jadeveon Clowney is questionable with a knee injury after missing Friday's practice. Defensive end Logan Hall, linebacker Jake Hansen and guard Ed Ingram are also questionable. Hansen and Ingram practiced fully Friday; their remaining designations show why a full session alone should not be read as clearance.

Will Anderson Jr., Trent Brown and Calen Bullock have no game designation. Anderson completed full practices Thursday and Friday after limited work Wednesday, while Brown progressed from an absence to limited work and then a full session.

For roster planning, Collins' clearance and Al-Shaair's absence are separate decisions. The receiver's return restores an offensive option after his two-game absence, while Houston must cover a missing linebacker against Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense. The final report does not assign that replacement's workload.

Dallas visits Houston on Sunday, October 4, at 1 p.m. Eastern. The inactive list before kickoff remains the final confirmation of who dresses.

Earlier practice reports, September 30 and October 1

Collins returned to limited practice Wednesday and remained limited Thursday. Friday's full participation and lack of a game designation supersede those earlier availability questions.