Nico Collins (center) scored twice in his return from injury but it wasn’t enough to get the Texans in the win column, with Houston falling to 0-4 after Sunday’s 34-30 loss to the Cowboys.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) watches his kick in the end of the first half of game action against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Logan Hall (96) celebrates with the less of the defense after Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) missed field goal in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) breaks away from the line of scrimmage in the first half of game action against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is pressured by Houston Texans defensive end Logan Hall (96) in the first half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Dallas Cowboys safety Alijah Clark (11) celebrates a stop against the Houston Texans in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is pressured by Houston Texans defense in the first half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) lines up a field goal in the first half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) celebrates his first quarter touchdown with his teammates in the first half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) celebrates his first quarter touchdown with his teammates in the first half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan (9) is taken down after making a first-down catch in the first half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) scrambles around Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (24) in the second half of game action against at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
A Houston Texans fan reacts to the final seconds of the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrate a touchdown in the second half of game action against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) blows kisses after a long reception in the second half of game action against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (4) reacts to a touchdown in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (4) tips his way into the end zone during the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (4) dives for extra yards over Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (24) in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) gets the ball for a return in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) reacts to being sacked in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) rams his way through to a field goal in the second half of game action against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks for a receiver in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) runs with the ball past Houston Texans defense in the second half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans contests a call in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans contests a call in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12), left, and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrate the team’s touchdown in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) reacts after a touchdown in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) breaks throught the defense to pass the ball in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) gets some extra yards around Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) in the second half of game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. Dallas Cowboys won the game 34-30.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans huddle up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans jogs across the field before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans Tommy Togiai, Will Anderson Jr. (510 and Danielle Hunter (55) warm up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans fans watch warm ups before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys fans make their way to their seats before an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Dallas Cowboys fan Trey Coffey, left, and Houston Texans fan Kristen Orrenmaa walk toward the stadium before an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans fan Veronica De Leon dons a temporary H tattoo as she watches warm ups before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans Hall of Famer Andre Johnson shakes hands with Steve Beckholt, “aka Ultimate Fan” before halftime ceremonies at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans fan Pamela Irby watches warm ups before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans fans try to get autographs before the team takes on the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) enters walks on the field before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) warns yo before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) warms up before game action against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
After jumping out to an early lead Sunday, the Houston Texans did what they did in the first three games.
They lost, falling to the Dallas Cowboys 34-30.
The Texans are now 0-4, and the chances that they’ll make the playoffs are slim to none.
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Here are the grades from the performance:
Quarterback: A
C.J. Stroud played arguably his best game of the season. It’s a shame it ended how it did. Stroud was 21-of-31 for 347 yards and two touchdowns. He connected on several explosive plays.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough time at the end to lead a game-winning drive.
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But this loss was not on him.
Running back: D+
The Texans’ running backs didn’t have a ton of lanes to run through, which isn’t necessarily their fault. But the production just hasn’t been there. Woody Marks and David Montgomery combined for just 46 yards and one touchdown.
It’s their third consecutive game without more than 75 yards rushing.
Wide receivers/tight ends: A
The Texans’ offense played a lot better with Nico Collins back on the field. Collins, who missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, had seven catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He also opened up things for other receivers. Jaylin Noel had three catches for 85 yards, and Xavier Hutchinson had three catches for 46 yards.
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The best play was the hook-and-ladder from Stroud to tight end Dalton Schultz to Montgomery, who gained 19 yards on a third-and-14 to extend Houston’s drive and take the lead.
Offensive line: D+
The Texans’ offensive line only allowed two sacks, but it was still a bad performance. The Cowboys’ defense had been unable to get pressure coming into this game, so allowing even one sack wasn’t great.
But what was worse was the fact that, once again, there were no running lanes. The offensive line was also called for two false-start penalties and a holding in the fourth quarter.
Defensive line: B
Will Anderson was credited with only half a sack, but he made his presence felt in other areas. He had a blocked field goal, a tackle for loss and several critical pressures. Danielle Hunter was credited with the other half sack.
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Unfortunately, the Texans didn’t get a ton of pressure on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the second half. Prescott engineered three consecutive touchdown drives in the second half.
Linebackers: C+
Considering the Texans were without their top linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair, it wasn’t a terrible day for the Texans’ linebackers. Jake Hansen had a team-high 12 tackles.
But they definitely missed him, especially in goal line situations. Cowboys running back Javonte Williams had three rushing touchdowns on the day.
Secondary: F
Cornerback Kamari Lassiter had one pass interference and one defensive holding call against him and allowed George Pickens to make a 53-yard catch against him, all on one drive. It’s possible one of those pass interference calls could have been ruled offensive pass interference.
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But it wasn’t a good day for him, nor was it for the rest of the secondary, which allowed Ceedee Lamb to record 17 catches for 189 yards.
Lamb was open all day.
Special teams: C-
The kick return coverage struggled again — albeit it came against one of the most dangerous returners in KaVontae Turpin. And the Texans’ special teams unit were called for two illegal blocks in the back penalties, and a holding. Those penalties put the offense in tough situations.
However, the special teams unit had good moments too. Jaylin Noel had a big kick return for 53 yards, setting up a touchdown on the first drive of the second half. And Ka’imi Fairbairn knocked in three critical field goals.
Coaching: F
The Texans played undisciplined football. They were called for 13 penalties on the day, which often negated positive plays from the offense and continued drives for the Cowboys. Two of the defensive penalties were on fourth-down plays.
Offensive coordinator Nick Caley did show improvement with his play-calling. The hook-and-ladder play was big and put the Texans in a position to win it.
But the defense just couldn’t hold. The Texans have now lost three games where the opposing offense has scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, including two in back-to-back weeks.