The Houston Texans are expected to be marching into Foxborough, Massachusetts, this weekend shorthanded, as star wide receiver Nico Collins is not expected to suit up for the divisional round matchup due to his concussion.
Obviously, it’s a long shot he plays Sunday vs. Patriots, considering the steps he must clear.
It would be a tough blow for a Texans offense that relies on its star wideout, but quarterback C.J. Stroud was able to make do this past Monday night when Collins exited early with the injury.
Despite his turnovers, Stroud was able to turn in a decent statistical performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers without Collins, completing 21 of 32 pass attempts for 250 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
But to beat the New England Patriots, he’ll have to cut down on the fumbles and kick it up a notch.
C.J. Stroud Confident in His WRs Without Nico Collins
Despite the likelihood that Collins won’t play, Stroud believes in the Houston Texans’ wide receiver room.
“We’re hoping Nico can play, but if not, we’ve had this experience before, played a couple games this year without him, sadly,” Stroud said, via Adam Wexler.
“All our guys are talented, we have a lot of depth in that room. I have the most confidence in everybody in there to get the job done.”
Stroud only went two games without Collins this past season, and they were able to win both games.
In Week 8, Collins missed a game against the San Fransico 49ers due to a separate concussion, and Stroud still lit it up with 318 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, completing 30 of 39 pass attempts.
Collins also sat out Houston’s Week 18 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but the Texans pulled most of their starters after halftime, anyway.
However, during the 2024 season, Collins missed five games with a serious hamstring injury, and the Texans went 2-3 over that stretch.
Overall, in eight games without his No. 1 wideout, Stroud has a passer rating of 85.9 with nine touchdowns and five interceptions, and a 5-3 record as a starter.
It’s safe to say the Texans should be able to get the job done without Collins, but they’ll need their other wide receivers to help out.
Who Needs to Step up in Nico Collins’ Absence?
With Collins out, expect a heavy dosage of Christian Kirk and rookie Jayden Higgins for the Houston Texans.
On Monday night in Pittsburgh, Kirk turned in an unbelievable performance, hauling in eight receptions for 144 yards, running in Stroud’s only passing touchdown.
Even the rookie Higgins got in on the action, catching three passes for 39 yards, all of which were for first downs.
Roundtable Sports’ Clayton Anderson believes the Iowa State product is someone that Stroud can rely on in crucial situations.
“Wide receiver Nico Collins historically has received the bulk of the ‘gotta have it’ throws when Stroud has found himself in trouble and needing a momentum-shifter in the receiving game,” wrote Anderson.
“Higgins is slowly creeping into that same conversation with how many times the Texans have called his number in those same scenarios.”
The rookie wide receiver will get the opportunity to prove himself again on Sunday.
C.J. Stroud Sends Message to Texans WRs Without Nico Collins