The Houston Texans are heading into their divisional-round showdown with the New England Patriots facing a significant challenge - and it’s coming at a tough time. Star wide receiver Nico Collins, who’s been a go-to target for C.J. Stroud all season, is trending in the wrong direction after suffering a concussion during the Texans’ wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Collins exited early in that game after taking a hard hit, and the severity was evident from the start. He was ruled out almost immediately and carted off the field - never a good sign.
Now, as the Texans prepare for their biggest game of the year, Collins has yet to practice, missing two straight sessions this week. That puts his availability for Sunday in serious doubt.
The NFL’s concussion protocol is a multi-step process, and while it’s unclear exactly where Collins is within that progression, the final hurdles - practicing in full and getting clearance from both team and independent doctors - have yet to be crossed. With time running out, the Texans are preparing for the very real possibility that they’ll be without their top receiving threat.
That’s a big blow. Collins has been a reliable, explosive presence on the outside, and his chemistry with Stroud has been a key part of Houston’s offensive rhythm. Losing him against a Patriots defense that thrives on taking away primary options forces the Texans to pivot - and quickly.
Enter Christian Kirk. The veteran wideout stepped up in a big way last week, torching the Steelers for 144 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.
He’s going to need to bring that same energy again, especially if Collins is sidelined. Kirk’s ability to find soft spots in coverage and make plays after the catch will be crucial against a disciplined New England secondary.
Beyond Kirk, Houston will look to its young depth. Rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have shown flashes throughout the season, and this is the kind of moment where those reps pay off.
Higgins brings size and contested-catch ability, while Noel offers quickness and versatility from the slot. Veteran Xavier Hutchinson could also see an expanded role - he’s been a steady contributor when called upon.
And don’t forget about Dalton Schultz. The tight end has been a safety valve for Stroud all year, and with Collins potentially out, Schultz could see a heavier workload, especially in red-zone and third-down situations. His route-running and ability to work the middle of the field will be a valuable asset as the Texans try to stay balanced and unpredictable.
Bottom line: this isn’t an ideal situation for Houston, but it’s not unmanageable. The Texans have built a deep, resilient offense around their rookie quarterback, and they’ve found different ways to win all season. If Collins can’t go, it’ll take a group effort - and another smart, efficient performance from Stroud - to punch their ticket to the AFC Championship.