The Houston Texans were the last team to advance to the divisional round of the 2025 NFL playoffs after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers (30-6) at Acrisure Stadium on Monday. The AFC South team continues its good run.
They will clash with the No. 2 New England Patriots on Sunday to try to advance to the AFC championship game. The challenge will be harder than the Steelers, and the Texans will likely be without one of their top players for the matchup.
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Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reported on Thursday that star wide receiver Nico Collins hasn’t cleared concussion protocol.
#Texans WR Nico Collins is not at the portion of practice open to media members as he remains in concussion protocol.
Obviously, it’s a long shot he plays Sunday vs. Patriots, considering the steps he must clear.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) January 15, 2026
NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted that this meant Collins wouldn’t play in Sunday’s game. Collins left Monday night’s showdown on a cart after suffering a concussion in the third quarter. C.J. Stroud threw a pass to him on a slant route. Collins fell on his face, dropped the ball and put both hands to his face.
The Texans ruled him out after he visited the blue medical tent. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said they would see how Collins evolved during the week to have a clear picture of his availability.
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Three days away from the game, it doesn’t look like Nico Collins will play. This is big for the Houston Texans, as they would be without their most dangerous weapon. He had three receptions for 21 yards against the Steelers.
Houston didn’t need his presence to win that game, but the story will likely be different against the Patriots.
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