They will clash with the No. 2 seed New England Patriots on Sunday in an effort to reach the AFC Championship game, a tougher challenge than the Steelers and one likely complicated by injury. 🆚🏆
Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reported that star wide receiver Nico Collins hasn’t cleared concussion protocol. He wasn’t at the portion of practice open to media, and it’s a long shot he’ll play Sunday vs. the Patriots. Ian Rapoport also noted that this means Collins won’t be active, after he left Monday’s game on a cart with a third‑quarter concussion. 🧠💥
Collins’ absence would be significant; DeMeco Ryans said the team would monitor his evolution through the week to get a clearer picture of availability. With three days to go, it doesn’t look promising, and losing him would deprive Houston of its most dangerous weapon, who had three receptions for 21 yards against the Steelers. 🏃♂️📉
Houston didn’t need Collins to win on Monday, but the Patriots present a tougher test, and his potential absence will color how the Texans approach Sunday’s matchup. The story will likely be different if he isn’t able to go, making his status a key storyline leading up to kickoff. 🤞🔎
