For the first time all week, there was positive news surrounding Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz.
Schultz, who had been dealing with an ankle injury, returned to practice as a full participant Friday during walk-throughs inside NRG Stadium. Barring a last-second change, he’s expected to play in Sunday’s home opener against the Chicago Bears on NBC.
Schultz caught three passes for 16 yards in Week 1’s 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Wide receiver Nico Collins (illness) returned to practice in full form after being limited on Thursday. Running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (groin) move from limited to out.
Both players are listed as questionable entering Sunday night’s outing. If Scruggs can’t go, Jarrett Patterson would likely start at center. Cam Akers, who was a healthy scratch last week on the road, would be the favorite to replace Pierce as RB No. 2.
Defensive back M.J. Stewart (knee) also did not practice and has been ruled out for a second consecutive game.
For Chicago, receiver Rome Odunze (MCL) returned to practice in a limited fashion. Drafted ninth overall out of Washington, Oduzne suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain and is currently day-to-day.
D.J. Moore was one of three receivers who practiced without issue, joining second-year target Tyler Scott and returner DeAndre Carter. Like John Metchie III, Scott was a healthy scratch in Sunday’s home opener. Carter, who previously played in Houston, played 13 total offensive snaps in place of Odunze.
Keenan Allen (heel) didn’t practice for a third day and is listed as questionable. The former Pro Bowl target reaggravated a heel injury in Sunday’s win over the Titans suffered in the offseason.
Offensive linemen Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) and fullback Khari Blasingame (hand/knee) did not practice and have been ruled out.
Chicago Bears
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
| WR Keenan Allen | heel | DNP | DNP | DNP | Questionable |
| OL Kiran Amegadjie | quad | LP | LP | FP | — |
| OL Ryan Bates | shoulder/elbow | LP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| FB Khari Blasingame | hand/knee | LP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| TE Marcedes Lewis | veteran rest day | — | DNP | — | — |
| WR Rome Odunze | knee | DNP | DNP | LP | Questionable |
| DL Zacch Pickens | groin | LP | FP | FP | — |
| DL DeMarcus Walker | foot | DNP | LP | FP | Questionable |
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
Houston Texans
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
| WR Nico Collins | illness | — | LP | FP | — |
| RB Dameon Pierce | hamstring | — | LP | DNP | Questionable |
| TE Dalton Schultz | ankle | DNP | DNP | FP | — |
| OL Juice Scruggs | groin | — | LP | DNP | Questionable |
| S M.J. Stewart | knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation