The Houston Texans will head into Sunday’s Divisional Round showdown against the New England Patriots without two key pieces in their receiving corps. Wide receivers Nico Collins and Justin Watson have officially been ruled out, dealing a significant blow to an offense that’s been one of the more exciting young units in the league this season.
Let’s start with the headline name: Nico Collins. The 26-year-old wideout has emerged as a true No. 1 target in Houston, and his absence is more than just a missing stat line - it changes the entire dynamic of the Texans' passing game. Collins was originally drafted in the third round back in 2021 out of Michigan, and after steadily climbing the depth chart, he broke out in a big way.
Before the 2024 season, Houston showed their belief in him by handing him a three-year, $72 million extension - a clear sign that they saw him as a cornerstone of their offense. And Collins backed it up with a strong 2025 campaign: 71 catches on 120 targets, 1,117 receiving yards, and six touchdowns in 15 games. He even chipped in a rushing score, showing his versatility in the red zone.
But a hamstring injury in 2024 cost him five games and landed him on injured reserve. Though he bounced back strong this past season, the injury bug has resurfaced at the worst possible time. Without him on the field, Houston loses not just a reliable chain-mover and deep threat, but also a physical presence who can win contested catches and draw extra attention from defenses.
Justin Watson’s absence may not grab the same headlines, but it still matters. He’s been a dependable depth piece and a veteran presence for a young receiving room. With both Collins and Watson out, the Texans will need others to step up - expect increased roles for younger receivers and tight ends, and perhaps more creative play-calling to compensate for the loss of their top wideout.
This is a pivotal moment for Houston. They’ve been one of the league’s best stories this season, driven by a young quarterback and an ascending roster.
But playoff football has a way of testing depth and resilience. Missing Collins in a game of this magnitude is a gut punch - no way around it - but it also opens the door for someone else to rise to the occasion.
Sunday’s matchup in Foxborough just got a little tougher, and the Texans will need to dig deep if they want to keep their postseason run alive.