Why isn’t Nico Collins playing against the Patriots? Texans WR injury report
The Houston Texans are chasing a historic ticket to the AFC Championship Game - but will do so without their star wide receiver.
Wide receiver Nico Collins will play no part in the Houston Texans’ Divisional Round matchup with the New England Patriots today, having been ruled out by a concussion.
Collins injured in precedent-breaking Wild Card win
Collins suffered the injury during the Texans’ history-making playoff win at the Pittsburgh Steelers last Monday. The 26-year-old left the Wild Card clash in the second half, after hitting his head hard on the Acrisure Stadium turf as he dived to catch the ball.
In their official injury report for the Patriots game, the Texans have confirmed that Collins is unavailable for this weekend’s Divisional playoffs.
The two-time Pro Bowler, who must clear the NFL’s strict, five-step concussion protocol before returning to action, has been a non-participant in Texans practice since the Steelers game.
This is the second time this season that Collins has been kept out of game duty by a concussion. In October, he missed the Texans’ Week 8 win over the San Francisco 49ers, after sustaining a head injury in Houston’s Week 7 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
Drafted by Houston in 2021, Collins has been the team’s leading receiver in the 2025 campaign, accruing 1,117 yards and six touchdowns from 71 receptions during the regular season. The former Michigan Wolverine’s yards haul places him among the top 10 receivers in the league this season.
Who else is on the Texans’ Divisional Round injury report?
A concussion has also led the Texans to rule out Collins’ fellow wide receiver, Justin Watson, while offensive tackle Trent Brown has been listed as questionable as he overcomes an ankle injury.
Houston #Texans Friday Injury Report & Game Status Report for the Divisional Round at the New England Patriots: pic.twitter.com/AUisdJjByT
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) January 16, 2026
Texans vs Patriots: what to know
The Texans find themselves in the Divisional Round thanks to a 30-6 Wild Card win that was their first ever road victory in the playoffs. Houston now visits the Patriots with the chance to book a maiden appearance in the AFC Championship Game.
The Denver Broncos await in the conference title decider on Jan. 25, after defeating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in an overtime thriller on Saturday.
Today’s matchup at Gillette Stadium kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT, and will air nationally in the U.S. on ESPN and ABC. Your streaming options include the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free trial.
You’ll also be able to follow live-text coverage of the clash right here at AS USA: NFL expert Jen Bubel will be talking you through every play in Foxborough.
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