Why Nico Collins isn't playing today for Texans vs. Patriots with injury news

Billy Heyen

Why Nico Collins isn't playing today for Texans vs. Patriots with injury news image

For the biggest game of the Houston Texans' season, they'll be shorthanded.

Everyone is injured and dinged up this time of year, of course, but some absences, like Nico Collins, feel more significant than others.

In 15 games this regular season, Collins had 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.

He's clearly C.J. Stroud's top target. But going up against Drake Maye on Sunday in the AFC's Divisional Round, Stroud won't have Collins to throw to.

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Why isn't Nico Collins playing today?

Nico Collins is missing Sunday's game due to injury.

He was concussed in the Texans' opening round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Monday night.

Collins didn't practice all week and was never a serious threat to make it back on the field for this one.

It's not clear if Collins would have a chance to return for the AFC Championship Game in a week.

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Texans WR depth chart

The Texans will be led by Christian Kirk, who had eight catches in the Wild Card Round win over the Steelers.

Their talented rookie, Jayden Higgins, should play a ton, too.

Xavier Hutchinson and another rookie, Jaylin Noel, will also see an increase in playing time. 

The likely WR5 is Braxton Berrios to round out the depth chart for this game.

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Editorial Team