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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has been ruled out for Sunday's (January 18) AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the New England Patriots due to a concussion he suffered in Monday's (January 12) Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
"Texans ruled out WR Nico Collins for Sunday’s game vs. the Patriots. Collins was carted off last week after suffering a concussion and did not practice this week," Schefter wrote on his X account.
Collins suffered the injury while attempting to catch a pass, falling face-first and immediately putting both hands to his face. The former University of Michigan standout was taken to the medical tent and carted to the locker room shortly after.
Collins has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons in spite of an injury-shortened season in 2024. The 26-year-old led all Texans players with 1,117 receiving yards, tied Jayden Higgins for a team-best six touchdown receptions and was second to tight end Dalton Schultz with 71 receptions during the 2025 NFL season.
Houston wide receiver Christian Kirk had a breakout game in Collins' absence on Monday, recording a career-high 144 yards, as well as a touchdown on eight receptions during the 30-6 road playoff win against the Steelers.