The Houston Texans are heading into the Divisional Round riding high after a dominant win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they’ll have to face their next test without one of their most important offensive weapons.
While CJ Stroud and the Texans’ offense didn’t exactly light it up in Pittsburgh, it didn’t matter - Houston’s defense stole the show. They overwhelmed the Steelers from start to finish, scoring multiple defensive touchdowns and holding Pittsburgh to just six points. It was the kind of performance that sends a message in January: this defense is for real.
But the win came with a cost.
Wide receiver Nico Collins, a key piece of Houston’s offensive puzzle, left the game with an injury and didn’t return. Now, just days before a massive road matchup against the New England Patriots, the outlook isn’t promising.
Collins remains in concussion protocol and was not present during the media-access portion of Thursday’s practice. That’s a strong indicator he’s unlikely to suit up on Sunday, given the league’s strict return-to-play guidelines.
NFL insiders Jonathan M. Alexander and Ian Rapoport both reported the same thing: the Texans are preparing as if they’ll be without their top wideout.
That’s a tough blow. Collins has been a go-to target for Stroud all season, stretching the field and consistently making tough catches in traffic. Without him, Houston’s offense loses a vertical threat and a reliable chain-mover - and they’ll be up against a Patriots defense that just bottled up the Chargers in primetime.
The silver lining? Christian Kirk.
The veteran wideout stepped up when the Texans needed him most on Monday, providing the only consistent spark in an otherwise sluggish offensive showing. Kirk’s route-running and ability to find soft spots in coverage will be even more critical this weekend, especially if Collins can’t go.
Houston will need more than just a strong defensive effort in Foxborough. They’ll need Stroud to play clean, Kirk to lead the receiving corps, and someone - maybe a tight end, maybe a running back - to emerge as a secondary option in the passing game. Because if there’s one thing we know about the Patriots, it’s that they’ll take away your best weapon and force you to win left-handed.
Kickoff is set for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium, with a trip to the AFC Championship on the line. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC.