Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s divisional round matchup against the New England Patriots due to a concussion. The announcement came ahead of one of the most pivotal games of the Texans’ season, as they prepare to face a challenging Patriots defense on the road.
Collins, a key offensive contributor, earned Pro Bowl recognition this season after a standout performance in the regular campaign. His absence is expected to be a significant challenge for Houston’s offense, which has benefited from his reliable hands and ability to make plays downfield. Throughout the year, Collins emerged as one of the team’s most productive receivers, playing an instrumental role in their success.
The timing of the injury is particularly tough for Houston, which is looking to advance to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history. Collins’ absence will likely place more pressure on the Texans’ remaining receiving corps and their quarterback, who will need to adjust game plans accordingly. Players such as Tank Dell and Robert Woods could see increased targets as the coaching staff reevaluates its offensive strategy.
A concussion protocol is in place across the NFL to safeguard player health, and Collins’ status indicates that he did not progress through the phases required to gain medical clearance in time for Sunday’s contest. The Texans have not indicated a timeline for his return beyond this week’s game.
The team and medical staff will continue to monitor Collins’ recovery, adhering to league protocols. In the meantime, Houston will focus on adapting its game plan and maximizing contributions from other offensive players as it prepares for a tough test in New England. Kickoff for the divisional round game is scheduled for Sunday, where the Texans will aim to continue their postseason run despite the absence of one of their top offensive threats.
