UPDATE: Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is trending towards missing the pivotal playoff showdown against the New England Patriots this Sunday, January 14, 2024. The 26-year-old did not practice today as the Texans finalize their preparations for the Divisional Round clash.
Collins exited Monday’s Wildcard victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a concussion and is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol. With just one practice remaining on Friday, it appears increasingly likely that Collins will not take the field this weekend.
“Texans WR Nico Collins is not at practice today,” reported ESPN Texans correspondent DJ Bien-Aime on X. “That almost slams the door on him playing this week against the Patriots.”
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered an impressive performance against the Steelers, extending the team’s winning streak to 10 games. In the eight games Stroud has played without Collins, he holds a passer rating of 85.9, with nine touchdowns and five interceptions, boasting a 5-3 record as a starter during that stretch.
“We’re hoping Nico can play, but if not, we’ve had this experience before,” Stroud stated. “All our guys are talented, we have a lot of depth in that room.”
If Collins is unable to play, Stroud is expected to rely heavily on Christian Kirk, who stepped up significantly against Pittsburgh, achieving a career-high 144 yards and setting a franchise postseason record in the process. Rookie Jayden Higgins is also anticipated to compete for targets in Collins’ absence.
“I was really happy for Christian knowing the type of guy that he is,” said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. “He’s one of the best guys in our locker room and he works extremely hard throughout the week.”
Stroud praised Kirk’s perseverance, saying, “I think he’s one of the best in the league. For him to keep going week in and week out, prepping the right way, to see it pay off was really dope.”
The Texans are facing a critical moment as they seek to advance further in the playoffs. The potential absence of Collins, a key offensive player, could significantly impact their strategy and performance against the formidable Patriots.
With the game just days away, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on Collins’ status as the Texans prepare for what could be a season-defining matchup. The urgency to monitor this developing situation cannot be overstated as Houston aims for continued success in the postseason.
