Texans Announce Nico Collins News After Leaving Steelers Game

Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Texans Announce Nico Collins News After Leaving Steelers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 10:53 PM ET

The season is on the line for the Houston Texans on Monday night as they battle the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild card round. Unfortunately for the Texans, they lost star wide receiver Nico Collins in the second half due to a head injury.

Collins entered the NFL playoffs with 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. The 26-year-old also added two carries for 15 yards and one rushing TD. Collins was named to the Pro Bowl squad for the second straight season. He has been one of the most important offensive players for Houston.

Collins, however, hit his head on the ground late in the third quarter. He exited the game with a suspected concussion.

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) signals after a first down during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars.© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Collins immediately grabbed his head after he hit the ground. The former Michigan Wolverines star failed to haul in a pass from quarterback CJ Stroud, and he hit his head on the grass as he fell.

Collins was slow to get up and had to be assisted by the team’s medical staff as he left the field. According to a report on the broadcast, Collins looked confused and had to be directed to the medical tent.

Nico Collins slams his helmet straight into the ground and has to be helped off the field pic.twitter.com/fgK5U4MrEu
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 13, 2026

Collins was then carted off the field for further testing.

Minutes later, the Texans announced a concerning update on Collin’s status.

“#12 WR Nico Collins and #84 WR Justin Watson are being downgraded to out with concussions,” the team posted on X.

.@ShariffLawFirm Texans Injury Update:

#12 WR Nico Collins and #84 WR Justin Watson are being downgraded to out with concussions.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2026

As indicated in the post, Justin Watson has also been ruled out with a concussion.

Collins left the game with three catches for 21 yards. Wide receiver Jayden Higgins is expected to fill in for Collins.

As of writing, the Texans are up 17-6 with 9:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. The winner of Monday's game will proceed to the divisional round to face the New England Patriots.

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

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