The news is particularly concerning because Collins remains one of the most important players in Houston’s offense. He opened the 2026 season with seven receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, immediately showing why he is such a critical part of Stroud’s passing attack.

Now, the Texans will have to find a way to replace their top receiving weapon against Cincinnati. Collins’ injury is not currently believed to be severe enough to require injured reserve, but the team will have to be cautious with a player who has dealt with hamstring problems before.

Nico Collins ruled out vs. Bengals

Houston officially ruled Collins out Friday after he missed Thursday’s practice following the hamstring injury. The Texans will therefore enter Sunday’s game without their primary offensive weapon, forcing Stroud and the coaching staff to adjust their approach against Cincinnati.

The timing is especially difficult because Collins had just delivered another strong performance in Week 1. He was targeted 10 times against Buffalo and caught seven passes, including a touchdown, giving Stroud a reliable option capable of making plays at all levels of the field.

Collins has also dealt with injuries throughout his career, including a hamstring injury in 2024 that forced him to miss five games. His history makes the Texans’ decision to keep him out understandable, particularly this early in the season when rushing him back could create a bigger problem.

How will C.J. Stroud replace Nico Collins?

Without Collins, Houston is expected to rely on a group effort rather than simply replacing his production with one player. Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte and Jaylin Noel could all see expanded opportunities, while the Texans could also use more formations featuring multiple tight ends.

That puts additional pressure on Stroud, although Houston’s offensive coordinator Nick Caley has expressed confidence in the team’s depth and in the quarterback’s ability to distribute the football. The Texans targeted 11 different players in their Week 1 loss to Buffalo, showing that the offense has other options beyond Collins.

Still, there is no easy way to replace a player of Collins’ caliber. The Texans are already without Jayden Higgins after his season-ending ACL injury, making Collins’ absence another significant setback for a receiving corps that has been hit hard by injuries. For Stroud, Sunday’s game against the Bengals will now be another test of how effectively Houston can move the ball without its biggest offensive weapon.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow gave an honest answer when asked how he felt about his performance in Week 1. “Yeah, If I didn’t have that interception, I’m feeling great walking out of here. You can’t make plays like that, so I got to get that fixed,” Burrow told reporters in the locker room, per Mike Petraglia. “Offensive line was pretty lights out. I thought we ran the ball, ran the ball well in spots, and you know, I got the ball to my guys in space pretty quickly.”

Burrow’s one mistake of the game was a significant one. Buccaneers rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter picked off Burrow for a pick-six during the third quarter, a mistake that helped bring Tampa Bay closer to Cincinnati on the scoreboard and made the rest of the contest that much more competitive.

Burrow encouraged after securing Week 1 victory

During his locker room comments, Burrow balanced his self-criticism with optimism and appreciation for the win, understanding how crucial it is to open the season with a victory in Week 1.

“It’s great for the vibes,” Burrow said. “There’s a lot of attention around Week 1, just because there’s so much anticipation around it. So going out and getting a win feels great, but we just got to keep it rolling.”

The standard is through the roof for Burrow, who knows one week does not make a season. Cincinnati has another huge game next weekend that could spark a long winning streak leading into an October matchup against Baltimore, who also started 1-0 on Sunday.

“Yeah, it was great to see the work come in and execute in those situations. But it’s one week. We got to keep getting better. Come and learn tomorrow. Get back in the lab,” Burrow noted before praising the crowd for helping induce penalties on Tampa Bay to offset Cincinnati’s offensive mistakes. “Yeah, that’s what you see in Week 1. A lot of procedural penalties. We had some as well on defense. So that came at pretty good times.”

Burrow’s Week 1 stat line

Burrow finished the game 25-of-35 for 254 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding five carries for 20 rushing yards on the ground to cap off an encouraging NFL season opener.

Getting the win in Week 1 is the most important outcome from Sunday’s game, but Cincinnati showed promise while keeping their sights set on improvement. Next up, the Bengals head on the road to face the Texans, who are coming off a loss to the Bills, in Week 2.

Russell Wilson is now an analyst for CBS Sports, and he was clear. “If it doesn’t go well in Cincinnati this year, Joe Burrow is gone,” Wilson said. Now, it’s not a common thing to see that a franchise quarterback leaves, but this might be one of the rare cases.

Burrow is a top three quarterback in the NFL, yet the Bengals constantly miss the playoffs due to organizational incompetence. Hence, he could have enough if another year of bad results comes for Cincy.

The Bengals did moves to appease Burrow

The Bengals have three big debts with Burrow. One of them was to improve the defense. They did. Three new starters are going into the defensive line, including big-time player Dexter Lawrence.

Another one was giving him protection, while this one remains to be seen, the Bengals have tried bringing in new players in recent years. The third debt is coaching, and Zac Taylor is on the hot seat.

Burrow has done his part

Not only has Burrow already guided this team with a bad defense, a bad coach, and a bad defense all the way to the Super Bowl, but he always balls out when healthy.

Burrow might be the only quarterback to have a case to win the league MVP on a team that didn’t even make the playoffs. When Burrow is on the field, the Bengals always have a chance to win games, despite everything else. However, that’s not a way to win Super Bowls, which is what Burrow wants.

Hence, Jalen Hurts won’t be suiting up. The Philadelphia Eagles have been very cautious during preseason and that is expected to be the case once again. Hence, Tanner McKee will be under center vs. Bengals.

Per NBC10 Philadelphia, the game will focus entirely on reserves, rookies, and bubble players fighting for final roster spots ahead of roster cuts. After all, teams have to officialize their final 53-man roster on Sunday.

Will Joe Burrow play vs. Eagles?

Joe Burrow and the other Cincinnati Bengals starters won’t play against Philadelphia, per head coach Zac Taylor. Hence, backups Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson, and Sean Clifford could be playing vs. Eagles.

More specifically, it’s expected that Johnson and Clifford take the majority of the workload, as Flacco is seen as a premium backup in the NFL for the last few years. Hence, there’s no need to risk him either.

Both teams have coaches with lots of eyeballs on them

The Eagles have gone to two Super Bowls in the last four years and yet somehow head coach Nick Sirianni is always getting doubted. A heavy reliance on coordinators might bring doubts over Sirianni, but he’s been proven capable to get to the top.

As for Zac Taylor, many were shocked when the Bengals didn’t fire him at the end of last season. However, after three straight years without a playoff appearance, the pressure is big. After all, Taylor is wasting Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and many other star players in their primes.

After practice, the wide receiver spoke with Tony Pike of ESPN 1530 Cincinnati and said he felt fine physically, describing it as a little “hyperextension.” He also stated that he could have continued participating.

Chase attempted to catch a pass from Joe Burrow and nearly ended up injured. Fortunately for the Bengals, who will need their top stars to have a successful season, nothing serious happened, and they should be able to count on him in the immediate future.

Alongside Tee Higgins, Chase will look to form one of the most formidable wide receiver duos in the AFC, and they certainly have the talent to do so. The Bengals want to improve on what they accomplished in 2025, and keeping both stars healthy could be key to making that happen.

Chase’s impact on the Bengals’ offense

Cincinnati’s team results in the 2025 season fell short of expectations. However, Ja’Marr Chase’s numbers in the final statistics were quite promising heading into what’s next.

The wide receiver’s numbers speak for themselves: 125 receptions, 1,412 receiving yards, and a total of eight touchdowns. Now, with Burrow at full strength, Zac Taylor’s team has everything it needs to dream of winning the AFC North.

The Bengals’ 2026 receiving corps

Burrow not only has Chase and Higgins as his primary targets through the air, but he also has several other options at his disposal. Here is the Bengals’ receiving corps heading into the upcoming season.

However, fans will not get to see either of the quarterbacks who sit at the center of those ambitions. Caleb Williams will not play for Chicago, while Joe Burrow will also remain on the sideline for Cincinnati as both coaching staffs prioritize the regular season over preseason evaluation.

For the Bears, head coach Ben Johnson has decided not to expose Williams to unnecessary contact. The Bengals have taken an equally cautious approach with Burrow, with Zac Taylor opting to keep his franchise quarterback out of the remaining preseason games.

Why isn’t Caleb Williams playing for the Bears?

Caleb Williams’ absence is a decision made by Ben Johnson rather than a sign of a new injury concern. The Bears already know what their starting quarterback can do, and there is little benefit in putting their young star at risk in a preseason game.

Chicago’s coaching staff can instead use the matchup to evaluate the quarterbacks fighting for depth-chart positions. Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum and Miller Moss are expected to handle the quarterback duties as they continue competing for opportunities and roster spots. Bagent was sidelined during the team’s preparation for the game, which could create additional work for Keenum and Moss.

Why isn’t Joe Burrow playing for the Bengals?

Joe Burrow will also watch from the sideline, and Taylor has already made the decision that Cincinnati’s starters will not play in either of the team’s final two preseason games. That means Burrow will not see action against Chicago as the Bengals turn their attention toward preparing for the regular season.

The Bengals have plenty of reasons to be cautious with their franchise quarterback. Burrow missed much of the 2025 season after suffering a significant toe injury that required surgery, eventually returning late in the year. With Cincinnati hoping to compete for the Super Bowl, exposing him to unnecessary preseason contact would offer very little reward.

Taylor is also trying to avoid another slow start to the regular season, but that does not mean the Bengals need Burrow to play in August. The coaching staff can address timing, execution and preparation through practices while allowing the veteran quarterback to enter the regular season healthy.

Who will play quarterback for the Bears and Bengals?

With Williams unavailable, the Bears will rely on their backup options. Bagent, Keenum and Moss all have something to prove, making the game particularly important for players trying to secure their place on the final roster.

Keenum brings extensive NFL experience, while Bagent has already shown that he can operate Chicago’s offense in regular-season situations. Moss, meanwhile, is looking to make an impression as he competes for a place on the roster. Chicago’s 2026 preseason opener already showed the value of that depth, with Keenum throwing for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears’ 34-10 win over Cleveland.

Cincinnati will turn to Josh Johnson and veteran Joe Flacco. Flacco’s continued presence in the NFL remains one of the league’s more remarkable stories, and the 41-year-old quarterback continues to compete for opportunities despite having already enjoyed a lengthy career.

How to watch Bengals vs Bears in the USA

Fubo and NFL+ are the two ways to watch Bengals vs. Bears live. Fubo lists the matchup among its available NFL games, while NFL+ provides live access to preseason games, subject to applicable market and blackout restrictions.

Can I watch Bengals vs Bears for free?

Fubo offers a 5-day free trial, giving eligible new subscribers a way to watch Bengals vs. Bears without paying during the trial period. Its current plan information lists a 5-day trial, although eligibility and availability can vary by plan.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears enter Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason with identical 1-0 records. Cincinnati opened its preseason with a 16-14 victory over the Detroit Lions, while Chicago dominated the Cleveland Browns 34-10.

Although the results do not count toward the regular-season standings, Saturday’s matchup at Paycor Stadium is an important opportunity for both coaching staffs to evaluate players and refine their depth charts before the regular season.

For Cincinnati, the preseason opener provided a brief look at Joe Burrow, who played two series and completed five of his six passes before leaving the game. Joe Flacco then led the offense for a longer stretch, including a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Jack Endries. The Bengals are also continuing to assess a deep roster, particularly at wide receiver, tight end, defensive line and the secondary.

The Bears, meanwhile, are coming off a convincing win but Caleb Williams did not play in the preseason opener, as head coach Ben Johnson elected to rest a number of starters. Tyson Bagent started and was expected to play roughly a half, giving Chicago an extended look at its depth.

Williams had been throwing touchdown passes in practice before the team traveled to Cincinnati, so his potential involvement against the Bengals is one of the key storylines heading into Saturday.

What time is the Bengals vs Bears match?

The Bengals vs Bears game kicks off Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 PM ET at Paycor Stadium. For viewers across the United States, these are the corresponding local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

“I’m tired of saying ‘next year, next year, next year.’ This is it. Life is too short to keep pushing things down the road,” Burrow said following a joint practice with the Chicago Bears ahead of Saturday’s preseason clash.

As Burrow gears up for another preseason tune-up, he has made it clear that he isn’t just aiming for individual milestones, but setting a standard for the Bengals in 2026.

Cincinnati’s front office enters the season confident in a re-tooled roster, headlined by former New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence making immediate waves at Bengals camp. Now, it’s only a matter of time before they put that revamped lineup to the test in the regular season.

Chase backs Burrow’s ‘now or never’ mindset

Ja’Marr Chase also addressed the media prior to the preseason tilt against Chicago, forcefully echoing his quarterback’s urgent tone. “We just better f***ing protect Joe!” Chase said, emphasizing that the entire locker room is locked into Burrow’s championship mandate.

If Burrow and the Bengals hope to bring a Lombardi Trophy to Cincinnati, alignment across the roster will be essential. With Chase and the core veterans fully bought into Burrow’s vision, anticipation among the fanbase is at an all-time high.

Bengals’ key offseason additions for the 2026 campaign

To evaluate whether a Super Bowl run is realistic for Cincinnati this year, let’s break down the notable offseason arrivals and departures shaping the 2026 roster:

• New additions
  • Dexter Lawrence II (DT)
  • Boye Mafe (EDGE)
  • Jonathan Allen (DT)
  • Bryan Cook (S)
  • Kyle Dugger (S)
  • Ja’Sir Taylor (CB)
  • Joe Flacco (QB) – Re-signed as Joe Burrow’s backup
  • Josh Johnson (QB)
• Departures
  • Trey Hendrickson (EDGE) – Signed with the Baltimore Ravens
  • Cam Taylor-Britt (CB) – Signed with the Indianapolis Colts
  • Geno Stone (S) – Signed with the Buffalo Bills
  • Joseph Ossai (DE) – Signed with the New York Jets
  • Jake Browning (QB) – Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Lucas Patrick (G) – Signed with the New York Giants
  • Cordell Volson (G) – Signed with the Tennessee Titans
  • Tycen Anderson (S) – Signed with the Denver Broncos
  • Marco Wilson (CB) – Signed with the Miami Dolphins

How to watch Bengals vs Lions in the USA

The Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals preseason game will be available to watch on NBC in the USA, with kickoff scheduled for Thursday. For streaming, NFL+ and Fubo are the main option for viewers outside the local markets.

Can I watch Bengals vs Lions for free?

Viewers can watch Bengals vs. Lions for free with Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. It is carrying the matchup and currently offers a free trial for new eligible subscribers, allowing fans to watch the game without paying during the trial period.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Bengals and Lions are opening their 2026 NFL Preseason schedules, but the two teams are approaching Thursday night’s matchup at Paycor Stadium with different priorities.

Cincinnati is expected to give several projected starters some work, including Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence, making the game an early opportunity to build rhythm before the regular season.

Detroit is taking a different approach. Jared Goff is not expected to play, leaving young quarterback Luke Altmyer with an important opportunity to take significant snaps against a Bengals defense that will feature some of its top players. The Lions are using the opener primarily to evaluate younger players and position battles ahead of roster cuts.

One of the most intriguing battles to follow is along Detroit’s offensive line, where Seth McLaughlin is competing for the starting center job. Rookie Blake Miller is also expected to receive meaningful playing time at tackle. With several established Lions sitting out, the preseason opener could have a direct impact on how the team’s depth chart develops.

What time is the Bengals vs Lions match?

The Bengals vs. Lions game kicks off today, Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 PM ET at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Lions’ official schedule and the game’s ticket information both confirm the 7:00 PM ET start.

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

“It won’t be a ton of time, but for our fans to come out there, they’re going to see Joe, Ja’Marr, and Tee. They’re going to see Dexter,” the head coach said during his press conference. “So, they’ll get a chance to enjoy some of our players there. But how long I keep them out there remains to be seen.”

Three other quarterbacks are waiting for their opportunity behind Burrow this season: veteran Joe Flacco, who joined the team midway through last season; rookie Josh Johnson; and, finally, Sean Clifford.

Burrow aims to stay healthy this time around

During 2025, Joe Burrow suffered a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, requiring surgery to repair torn ligaments in his foot. The injury kept him sidelined for nine games—forcing him to miss Weeks 3 through 12—before he was finally cleared to return to action in Week 13.

Heading into 2026, Burrow will look to stay healthy starting from Week 1 by relying on improved pocket management, quicker pass release times, and stronger protection from his offensive line to minimize unnecessary hits and complete a full 17-game campaign.

The Bengals’ 2026 Preseason games

Joe Burrow and his Bengals kick off their 2026 preseason campaign tonight, August 13, at Paycor Stadium against the Detroit Lions. They will remain at home for their second exhibition game when they host the Chicago Bears on Saturday, August 22, before wrapping up their preseason schedule on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, August 28.

Joe Goodberry of the Locked On Bengals podcast spoke to Ari Meirov about Lawrence’s impact. “He [Dexter Lawrence] has been the best player in camp. He has been absolutely destroying them… He really looks like he’s back to the 2022/2023 dominant player.”

That is frightening news for the rest of the NFL. The Bengals always had huge offensive firepower, but lacked defense. Now, Lawrence could be the one piece that puts them over the hump. Fully healthy and in form, Lawrence can be a Defensive Player of the Year contender.

Why the Giants could miss Lawrence?

Lawrence was disgruntled and asked to be traded. Now, the Giants received a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft which is a great price. They used it to select Offensive Tackle Francis Mauigoa. However, they could still miss Dexter Lawrence quite a lot.

The Giants’ revamped defensive front faces a steep drop-off in interior pressure and run-stopping capability following his departure. Also, pass rusher Brian Burns said the defense “ain’t the Giants without No. 97,” making note of how important Lawrence’s interior pressure was for the G-Men.

Why Lawrence could solve all Bengals’ defensive woes?

Lawrence will be anchoring the interior defensive line with elite run-stopping power and constant pass rush. His massive 340-pound presence eats up multiple blockers, fixing a glaring rush defense weakness that struggled heavily last season.