In a significant blow to their playoff aspirations, the Houston Texans will face off against the New England Patriots this Sunday without their standout wide receiver, Nico Collins. Unfortunately, Collins has been ruled out for the divisional round after sustaining a concussion during Houston's wild card victory, which has kept him sidelined throughout the week, missing all practice sessions.
Collins, who has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the past two seasons, had an impressive 2025 campaign where he topped the team charts with 71 receptions and amassed 1,117 receiving yards. This achievement marked his third consecutive year surpassing the coveted 1,000-yard milestone. Now, as the Texans prepare for this crucial matchup, they will have to adjust their offensive strategy without their leading pass catcher, placing added pressure on quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel expressed admiration for Collins, noting his development as a player. "What Nico has done – go back to his pre-draft visit, meeting with him and watching his growth as a pro, he’s a very good player," he stated, highlighting Collins' impact on the field.
In Collins' absence during last Monday night's game, veteran receiver Christian Kirk stepped up significantly, recording a season-high eight receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. His performance showcased the depth of Houston's receiving corps, which is known for its versatility and ability to execute complex routes.
Vrabel commented on the Texans' receiving unit, saying, "Well, they’re not afraid to go inside. They run a lot of inside breaking routes in play action. They all block. I think they have a great mixture.” He further praised players like Xavier Hutchinson, noting their diverse skill sets and Kirk’s consistent high-level performance over the years, particularly in the slot position, where he not only runs option routes but also excels in vertical plays down the field.
Houston made a strategic move in this year’s draft by selecting two rookie receivers from Iowa State among their top three picks, including Jayden Higgins, a 6-foot-4 talent chosen with their first pick at No. 34 overall. "I liked [his draft evaluation] a lot," Vrabel mentioned on Friday, reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, who spoke highly of Higgins and his teammate Jaylin Noel. He emphasized their long reach, athleticism, productivity, and willingness to block, qualities that were evident in Higgins' college tape, suggesting that he continues to improve with more playing time.
As the Patriots gear up to counter Houston’s aerial attack, they are bolstered by the return of cornerback Christian Gonzalez. After dealing with a head injury in the previous week, Gonzalez has fully participated in practice on both Thursday and Friday, successfully clearing the league’s concussion protocol. This addition could prove crucial as the Patriots aim to contain the Texans' dynamic receiving threats.
