The Texans were on cloud nine after defeating the Browns 45-14 in the wild-card round of the playoffs. However, their win has since proven costly as they have lost yet another playmaker for the rest of the season.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Houston has placed wide receiver Noah Brown on injured reserve, ending his season.
It's certainly a blow to the Texans offense, which already lost rookie WR Tank Dell for the season in Week 13 when he suffered a fractured fibula.
Brown had the fourth most receiving yards (567) on the team, behind only TE Dalton Schultz (635), Dell (709) and WR Nico Collins (1,297).
With the additional absence of Brown, Houston will now need to rely more on wide receivers Robert Woods and John Metchie III, who have combined for just 56 catches for 584 yards and one touchdown on the year.
The two wide receivers aren't the only players to keep an eye on now that Brown is out for the season, however. Third-year tight end Brevin Jordan could also see his role continue to grow, especially after he scored a 76-yard touchdown on Saturday.
BREVIN JORDAN IS REALLY FAST
— Overtime (@overtime) January 13, 2024
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/9djgY2furq
At the end of the day, as long as rookie QB C.J. Stroud is healthy, the Texans seem like they'll have a chance to win any game. The favorite to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has impressed all season, passing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
Stroud will continue to elevate the play of those around him, whether it's Woods, Metchie III or Jordan, without the team's second and fourth-leading receivers.
Houston will travel to Baltimore to face the No. 1 seed Ravens if the Bills defeat the Steelers on Monday. If Pittsburgh upsets Buffalo, however, the Texans will head to Kansas City to take on the No. 3 seed Chiefs for the second time this season.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!