In a commanding performance on Monday night, the Houston Texans cruised to a 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round, marking the franchise’s first road playoff win in team history.
Thanks to a dominant defensive showing and balanced offensive attack, Houston advances to the Divisional Round to face the New England Patriots next Sunday.
However, amid the celebration, injuries remain a major storyline as the Texans prepare for what could be a rugged showdown in Foxborough.
Here’s the latest post-game injury report and updated player status following their emphatic win.
Major Injury Developments from Wild Card Victory
Nico Collins – Concussion (OUT for Now)
The biggest injury news emerging from the playoff win was the loss of Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins.
Collins was forced out of the game in the third quarter after absorbing a hard hit and suffering a concussion. He was carted off the field and did not return, leaving his status for the upcoming Divisional matchup uncertain.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has stated Collins will be evaluated throughout the week, but the Texans will be without their leading receiver until he clears the NFL concussion protocol.
Collins’ absence could significantly impact Houston’s offensive game plan, as he finished the regular season with over 1,100 receiving yards and has been a key weapon for quarterback C.J. Stroud all year.
Injury Report Before the Steelers Game (Recap)
Heading into the Wild Card matchup, the Texans were tracking several injury concerns, some of which played out differently than expected. According to the official preseason injury report:
- Jawhar Jordan (RB) was ruled out with an ankle injury and did not play in the game.
- Ajani Carter (CB) was also ruled out prior to the game due to a hamstring injury.
- Several key contributors like Trent Brown (OT), Tytus Howard (OT), Kamari Lassiter (CB), and Sheldon Rankins (DT) practiced in full and played, with no significant reported setbacks during the game.
- Jaylen Reed (S) was listed as questionable in the last report but ultimately made it onto the roster.
While many of these players finished the game without notable issues, the Texans will still monitor their bodies closely as they shift focus to New England.
What This Means Heading Into Next Week
Offensive Adjustments
With Nico Collins’ availability in question, the Texans may need to rely more heavily on Christian Kirk, who stepped up in the win versus the Steelers with a team-high receiving performance. The coaching staff will also look to balance the attack with effective ground play and short-to-intermediate passing to compensate for Collins’ absence.
Defensive Outlook
Houston’s defense, already one of the league’s best, should remain stout if minimal injuries linger.
The unit’s ability to force turnovers and score - as they did with a fumble return and interception returned for touchdowns — was a decisive factor in the playoff victory and will be critical next week.
Injury Monitoring
Key offensive linemen like Trent Brown and Tytus Howard, as well as defenders like Kamari Lassiter, are expected to be re-evaluated during the week. Their health will influence Houston’s game plan and depth chart decisions heading into this high-stakes Divisional Round matchup.
Final Thoughts
The Texans’ playoff run is far from over, but injury management looms large as they prepare for a much tougher challenge. Fans should stay tuned throughout the week for updated practice reports and official injury designations, especially regarding Collins and other key starters.
