The Houston Texans find themselves at a pivotal juncture, navigating a crucial playoff game without their prominent wide receiver, Nico Collins. Despite the initial concern his absence might spark among fans and analysts alike, historical data reveals a surprising resilience within the team's offensive unit. This report delves into how the Texans have previously performed without Collins and assesses their prospects for the upcoming divisional round match, highlighting the adaptability and depth of their roster.
Texans Showcase Unexpected Depth Amidst Collins' Absence
On January 15, 2026, the Houston Texans prepared for their divisional round clash against the New England Patriots, a game overshadowed by the anticipated absence of key wide receiver Nico Collins. Collins, a dominant force in the passing game, sustained a head injury during the Texans' 30-6 wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and has since entered the league's concussion protocol. While Head Coach DeMeco Ryans did not entirely rule out Collins' return during a recent Tuesday Zoom call, the likelihood remains slim.
Collins' importance to the Texans' offense is undeniable; he concluded the regular season with an impressive 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns, making him only the third player in franchise history to achieve three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, despite missing two games earlier due to concussion protocol. However, an examination of previous games where Collins was sidelined reveals an intriguing trend: the Texans' offense not only coped but, in some instances, flourished.
During Week 8, in a game against the San Francisco 49ers, quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered one of his standout performances of the season without Collins. Stroud completed 76.9% of his passes for a season-high 318 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with seven different targets. The receiving corps stepped up significantly, with Xavier Hutchinson leading the charge with five receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. Rookie Jaylin Noel contributed 63 yards from five catches, and running back Woody Marks added a 50-yard reception, which set up a successful 34-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairin. Remarkably, six different pass-catchers recorded at least three receptions for over 20 yards, illustrating the team's collective strength.
Similarly, in the Week 18 win over the Indianapolis Colts, where Collins was rested in preparation for the postseason, rookie Jayden Higgins saw an expanded role, securing two catches for 23 yards and scoring a touchdown. Hutchinson once again excelled, leading the team with 84 receiving yards, while tight end Dalton Schultz made four receptions for 73 yards, including a spectacular one-handed grab. Stroud, who played only the first half, completed 14 of 23 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown, showcasing the offense's continued effectiveness.
These instances underscore that while Collins is a vital asset, the Texans have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt and succeed without him. The team's two victories in his previous absences offer a compelling narrative of resilience, suggesting that they are well-prepared to face the Patriots at Gillette Stadium, potentially sweeping their road games.
The Houston Texans' ability to perform strongly even without a key player like Nico Collins offers a valuable lesson in team depth and strategic preparedness. It highlights that football, much like life, often demands adaptability and the ability to find strength in collective effort when individual stars are absent. This resilience not only instills confidence in the team's immediate playoff prospects but also suggests a promising future built on a robust and versatile roster capable of overcoming significant challenges.