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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reported on Thursday that star wide receiver Nico Collins hasn\u2019t cleared concussion protocol.<\/p>\n
#Texans<\/a> WR Nico Collins is not at the portion of practice open to media members as he remains in concussion protocol. <\/p>\n Obviously, it\u2019s a long shot he plays Sunday vs. Patriots, considering the steps he must clear.<\/p>\n \u2014 Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) January 15, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted<\/a> that this meant Collins wouldn\u2019t play in Sunday\u2019s game. Collins left Monday night\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Three days away from the game, it doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n Houston didn\u2019t need his presence to win that game, but the story will likely be different against the Patriots.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n NFL: Josh Allen takes page from Kobe Bryant playbook with postgame comments<\/a><\/p>\n CFB: Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman accused of battery<\/a><\/p>\n MLB: NBC, Peacock reveal 2026 Sunday Night Baseball schedule<\/a><\/p>\n NBA: Kings star given 3-game suspension for trying to fight Luka Doncic off the court<\/a><\/p>\n ENTERTAINMENT: Lil Wayne goes unhinged after Chicago Bears\u2019 epic NFL Playoffs win<\/a><\/p>\n VIRAL: FOX Sports\u2019 Erin Andrews trolled over viral fur jacket during 49ers-Eagles game<\/a><\/p>\n