Texans lose star receiver for crucial playoff matchup against Patriots due to concussion
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The Houston Texans will be without one of their top offensive weapons for their AFC divisional round matchup against the New England Patriots.
Star wide receiver Nico Collins, who suffered a concussion in the team’s wild-card round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, has been ruled out after not practicing at all this week.
The loss of Collins is significant considering he is quarterback CJ Stroud’s top target. In 15 games this season, Collins caught 71 passes for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.
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Nico Collins of the Houston Texans leaves the field during an NFL Wild Card Playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old has had three consecutive 1,000-plus receiving yard seasons and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons. Collins signed a three-year, $72.75 million contract in May 2024, cementing him as the team’s top receiver.
Christian Kirk had a big game in the Texans’ win over the Steelers on Monday night, and the team might need him to replicate that performance.
Kirk had eight receptions for 144 yards and a receiving touchdown, all of which led the team during the victory. It was a great performance for Kirk when the Texans needed him most.
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Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) celebrates with wide receiver Nico Collins (12) after a touchdown during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Justin Berl/AP Photo)
Kirk had never had more than four receptions or 64 yards in a game during the regular season, making his playoff performance stand out.
Without Collins, Stroud will also rely on wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Dalton Schultz, in addition to Kirk.
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To make matters worse for the Texans, the Patriots’ No. 1 cornerback Christian Gonzalez has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play, according to multiple reports.
The No. 5 seed Texans face the No. 2 seed Patriots on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for News Digital.