NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The Houston Texans will be without one of their best offensive weapons for their AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots.
Star wide receiver Nico Collins, who suffered a concussion in the team’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, was 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 has caught 71 passes for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Nico Collins of the Houston Texans leaves the field during an NFL 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 seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards 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 catches for 144 yards and a receiving touchdown, all of which led the team to the victory. It was an outstanding performance for Kirk when the Texans needed it most.
FOX SUPER 6 CONTEST: CHRIS ‘THE BEAR’ FALLICA’S NFL DIVISION ROUND PREDICTIONS
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, January 12, 2026. (Justin Berl/AP Photo)
Kirk hadn’t had more than four receptions or 64 yards in a game during the regular season, making his performance in the playoffs 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.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
NFL fans can play FOX Super 6 and win cash prizes. (FOX Sports)
Even worse for the Texans, Patriots No. 1 cornerback Christian Gonzalez has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play, according to multiple reports.
The No. 5 seed Texans will face the No. 2 seed Patriots on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
