Texans’ Nico Collins Ruled Out for Divisional Round Playoff Game Due to Concussion
Houston Texans’ Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins has been ruled out for Sunday’s divisional round playoff game against the New England Patriots due to a concussion. The injury occurred during the Texans’ 30-6 wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, when Collins fell face-first while attempting to catch a pass.
The impact of the fall caused Collins to immediately put both hands to his face, prompting the Houston medical staff to take him to the tent for further evaluation. It didn’t take long before Collins was carted to the locker room, and he was eventually diagnosed with a concussion. As a result, he will not be able to participate in the upcoming game against the Patriots.
Collins’ Absence a Significant Blow to Texans’ Offense
Collins has been the Texans’ unquestioned No. 1 playmaker this season, totaling 71 catches for 1,117 yards and 6 touchdowns. His absence will be felt, and the team will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void. One player who will be expected to take on a larger role is wideout Christian Kirk, who had a standout performance in the wild-card round with a career-high 144 receiving yards.
Kirk’s impressive performance helped fuel the Texans’ win over the Steelers and set a franchise postseason record, eclipsing Collins’ mark from last year’s wild-card win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans will be counting on Kirk to build on his momentum and help lead the team to victory against the Patriots.
Texans Face Tough Test Against Patriots
The Texans will face a tough test on Sunday against the Patriots, who have a strong defense and a potent offense. The Patriots have a long history of success in the playoffs, and the Texans will need to be at their best if they hope to come out on top. With Collins out, the team will need to rely on its depth and resilience to overcome the challenge.
According to NFL.com, the Texans are currently listed as underdogs against the Patriots, but they have shown throughout the season that they are capable of pulling off upsets. With a strong team effort and a bit of luck, the Texans may be able to overcome the loss of Collins and advance to the next round of the playoffs.
For more information on the Texans and the NFL playoffs, visit ESPN.com or NFL.com. The game between the Texans and Patriots is scheduled to kick off on Sunday at 4:30 PM ET.
