Texans Star Nico Collins ‘Long Shot’ To Play Against Patriots

The Houston Texans will likely oppose the New England Patriots without a key offensive playmaker.

Nico Collins sustained a concussion in the second half of Monday night’s opening-round playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The star wide receiver has yet to take the necessary steps toward playing this Sunday.

Collins was not present at the open portion of Thursday’s practice, per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Alexander called it a “long shot” that Collins will suit up for the AFC Divisional Round game, as he has yet to clear the league’s concussion protocol.

Losing Collins would be a massive blow for C.J. Stroud and Houston’s offense. The 26-year-old led the Texans with 1,117 receiving yards in his third straight 1,000-yard campaign. After Collins, Jayden Higgins had the most receiving yards among Texans wide receivers at a modest 525.

Collins exited Monday’s game with just 21 yards, but Stroud found another target. Christian Kirk recorded eight catches for a career-high 144 yards and a touchdown after tallying 239 yards throughout the entire regular season.

The Texans will need Kirk, Higgins or someone else to step up if Collins isn’t cleared. Or they can also hope their formidable defense saves the day again after scoring two late touchdowns in a 30-6 rout over the Steelers.

Christian Gonzalez is also dealing with a concussion, but New England’s star cornerback appears to have a better chance than Collins of playing after practicing on Wednesday.

Sunday’s game between the Patriots and Texans starts at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.