Texans WR Nico Collins leaves win vs. Steelers with head injury

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Jan 13, 2026 - 11:30
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Texans WR Nico Collins leaves win vs. Steelers with head injury

While the Houston Texans secured a 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round, a loss still occurred for potentially next week's matchup against the New England Patriots.

Texans wideout Nico Collins was carted off the locker room late in the third quarter and ruled out for the rest of the game after hitting his head hard on the ground. His status for next week's matchup will now be a talking point throughout the week.

Collins, who had been quiet all night as the No. 3 weapon in the passing game, tried to catch a pass from C.J. over the middle while in man coverage against Joey Porter Jr. As the two dove toward the ground, Collins' head smashed against the cold, hard grass, resulting in him needing help to get off the field at Acrisure Stadium.

Weather temperatures of that degree likely made the grass cement-like. Given the speed of the collision, the Texans took the cautious approach, placing the Pro Bowler in concussion protocol for the rest of the evening.

"We'll see how the week goes," Texans DeMeco Ryans told reporters postgame following the win.

The Texans were able to survive without Collins, largely due to the emergence of wideout Christian Kirk. Quiet through most of the regular season, the former Jacksonville Jaguars starter totaled a season-high eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown.

Collins already missed a game with a concussion earlier this season after leaving late on a Monday night in Week 7's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He would miss the next game in a win over the San Francisco 49ers, thus once again opening the door for a promising afternoon for the rest of the targets.

Houston loves Collins and knows the value of his role in the passing game. This past year, Collins became the third player in franchise history to put up three straight 1,000-plus yard seasons, joining Hall of Famer Andre Johnson and former All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins.

The fifth-year pro leads the team with 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. He finished Monday night with three catches for 21.

The Texans will play the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs next Sunday. Kickoff on ESPN is scheduled for 2 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans WR Nico Collins leaves win vs. Steelers with head injury

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