The Houston Texans have less than one week before they face the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, and they emerged from their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round with a new roster concern.
Houston has dealt with injuries all season, and their latest issue is more of the same.
However, the timing and nature of the issue leave plenty of uncertainty for Houston ahead of the next work week.
Texans Make Unfortunate Decision on Nico Collins vs Steelers
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans reacts during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
During the third quarter of the Texans’ win, wide receiver Nico Collins exited early after an incomplete attempt from C.J. Stroud. Collins hit his head on the turf and was forced to the sidelines.
The Texans ruled Collins out due to a concussion a short while later.
“A well-positioned ball,” ESPN’s Troy Aikman said in reaction to the play. “He just goes right down on his head, is unable to break his fall at all.”
This marks Collins’ second concussion of the season, and it comes at a critical time. He missed the Texans’ Week 8 win over the San Francisco 49ers after suffering a concussion in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Texans have treated concussions as week-long injuries.
That it happened on a short week means Collins, a two-time Pro Bowler, and the Texans are hard-pressed for time enough to clear the concussion protocol.
Stroud suffered a concussion in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos–the second documented one of his career–and missed the following three games. The Texans do not have the benefit of being able to look beyond their next matchup.
There is a strong possibility the Texans will be without Collins in the Divisional Round.
Collins exited the game briefly earlier on, but was able to continue until suffering his head injury in the second half. He finished with three receptions for 21 yards.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is notably reluctant to divulge much regarding player injuries, and this was no different. The third-year head coach said they are taking a wait-and-see approach with Collins.
Texans Avoid Serious Injuries to 2 Other Starters
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans reacts against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Texans will await final word on Collins later this week, but they emerged from their win over the Steelers with good news elsewhere on the roster.
Starting safety Jaylen Reed exited briefly due to a lower-body injury and was ruled questionable in the first quarter. He worked out on the exercise bike before returning for the Texans’ next defensive series, though.
Reed missed the final five games of the regular season due to a broken forearm.
That it was a different injury provided a minor source of encouragement, but his return was the best news for the rookie sixth-round draft pick.
The Texans also saw starting running back Woody Marks, another rookie draft pick, exit to be evaluated for a concussion during the second quarter of the contest. He returned and finished with 112 yards and 1 touchdown on 19 carries.
Texans Get Schedule Update
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Ryans and the Texans knew they would face the Patriots if they moved on heading into this contest, but their win helped the NFL settle other details about the matchup.
The NFL announced with a post on X on January 12 that Houston will face New England on the road on January 18 at 2 p.m. CT. on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN App. They announced earlier in the day that Shawn Smith’s crew will officiate the game.
Smith called the ninth-most penalties during the regular season, per NFL Penalties.
The Texans will be looking for their 10th straight win amid some notable roster questions, particularly regarding Collins.
Texans Make Ominous Decision on Pro Bowler During Wild Card Win Over Steelers