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Texans Announce Dalton Schultz News After Leaving Patriots Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 4:35 PM ET

Dalton Schultz and the Houston Texans are looking to book their spot in the next round of the playoffs on Sunday. Standing in their way are the New England Patriots, who are also looking to return to the conference championship game for the first time since the Tom Brady era.

Unfortunately for the Texans, they lost Schultz to an injury in the first half. The 29-year-old tight end has been a key part of Houston’s offense this season, playing all 17 games in the regular season. Heading into the playoffs, Schultz registered 82 catches for 777 yards and three touchdowns. He logged three receptions for 12 yards in the Texans’ wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) reaches for a pass against Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) during last season's AFC divisional playoff game.Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Schultz exited Sunday’s game late in the first quarter due to a calf injury. The broadcast showed him walking to the locker room under his own power. The Texans initially listed him as questionable to return.

The team, however, made another announcement in the second quarter. As the game approached halftime, the Texans announced that Schultz would not be able to return to the game.

“Texans Injury Update: #86 TE Dalton Schultz has been downgraded to out with a calf injury,” the team posted on X.

.@ShariffLawFirm Texans Injury Update:

#86 TE Dalton Schultz has been downgraded to out with a calf injury.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 18, 2026

Schultz finished the game with two catches for 47 yards. He logged a big 47-yard gain in the first quarter on a pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Schultz will undergo additional testing on his calf, which should provide the Texans with more information about the extent of his injury. However, with his absence against the Patriots, Houston will rely on Cade Stover and Harrison Bryant at tight end.

At stake in Sunday’s game is a spot in the conference championship game. The winner of this one will face the Denver Broncos at 3 p.m. ET next Sunday on CBS for the AFC title.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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