The Houston Texans face a critical challenge as their star wide receiver, Nico Collins, remains sidelined due to a concussion, sparking major concerns about his participation in the impending AFC divisional playoff showdown. His continued absence from practice signals a potential setback for the team as they prepare for a high-stakes game.
Texans Grapple with Key Injury Ahead of Divisional Playoff Clash
As of Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Houston Texans' leading pass-catcher, Nico Collins, was notably absent from team practice. This marks his second consecutive missed session, following a concussion he sustained during the thrilling 30-6 wild-card triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. Collins' current status within the concussion protocol has cast a shadow of doubt over his availability for Sunday's crucial AFC divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Collins, at 26 years old, has been an indispensable asset to the Texans' offense. During the regular season, he topped the team with an impressive 1,117 receiving yards and shared the lead in touchdown receptions with six, marking his third consecutive season achieving the 1,000-yard milestone. Over his five-year career with the Texans, who drafted him in the third round in 2021, the two-time Pro Bowl selection has accumulated 289 catches for 4,347 yards and 24 touchdowns.
In the recent clash against the Steelers, Collins managed to secure three receptions for 21 yards before suffering the head injury. In his unexpected absence, teammate Christian Kirk admirably stepped up, delivering a season-best performance with eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown, playing a pivotal role in securing the victory. The Texans are now eyeing a historic achievement: a win against the second-seeded Patriots would propel them to their first-ever AFC Championship Game. However, achieving this feat without their key offensive weapon presents a formidable challenge that will test the depth and resilience of the Houston squad.
This situation underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where a single injury to a star player can dramatically alter a team's trajectory, especially during the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. It highlights the importance of squad depth and the readiness of other players to step into crucial roles. The Texans' ability to adapt and perform without Collins will be a true testament to their collective strength and coaching prowess as they chase a historic advancement in the AFC Championship.