The Houston Texans added wide receiver Bryce Oliver to the practice squad Thursday and released rookie quarterback Mark Gronowski in a pair of roster moves that underscored growing concern at receiver.
The team announced the transactions on its official website.
“The Houston Texans have signed the following player to the practice squad,” the club said, listing Oliver, a 6-foot-1, 214-pound receiver from Youngstown State.
Hours later the franchise posted on social media: “We have signed Bryce Oliver to the practice squad and made other roster moves.”
The signing arrived one day after two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins suffered a hamstring injury at Wednesday’s practice. Team doctors have not labeled the injury serious, yet Collins’ availability for Sunday’s home game against the Cincinnati Bengals remains in doubt.
Collins opened the season with seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He has posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and is the clear No. 1 target for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Houston already is thin at the position. Second-year receiver Jayden Higgins tore an ACL in August and is on injured reserve for the year. Tank Dell remains on injured reserve while recovering from a 2024 knee injury.
Oliver, 26, entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He has appeared in 13 regular-season games with one start, recording seven receptions for 103 yards, all with the Tennessee Titans. He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns.
Oliver’s addition gives the Texans another body who has at least seen NFL snaps, even if that experience remains modest.
To open a practice-squad spot the team released Gronowski, an undrafted rookie out of Iowa who had been signed only days earlier. Houston needed a third quarterback after 2025 sixth-round pick Graham Mertz tore his ACL in the preseason opener.
The Texans now list only Stroud and veteran Davis Mills on the 53-man roster at the position. Gronowski could still be a candidate for a future elevation if either starter is unavailable.
Houston sits 0-1 and hosts a Bengals team that allowed one of the league’s higher passing totals a year ago. Collins’ status will be watched closely through Friday’s practice and Saturday’s injury report.
If Collins cannot play, the Texans are expected to lean on recent acquisition Kayshon Boutte along with Xavier Hutchinson and other unproven options.
The organization has used the practice squad frequently this month to address injuries at several positions, including linebacker and the offensive line.
Oliver’s presence provides a low-risk insurance policy while the coaching staff evaluates Collins day to day.
Sunday’s kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.
