Texans WR Nico Collins ruled out of wild-card win over Steelers with concussion after hitting head hard on turf
Texans wide receiver Nico Collins left Houston's 30-6 wild-card win over Pittsburgh Steelers Monday night after hitting his head hard on the turf and didn't return to the game.
Collins landed face first into the ground while attempting to catch a pass early in the fourth quarter. Per the ESPN broadcast, he remained hunched over on the ground for more than a minute after the collision and struggled to make it to the sideline medical tent.
When he left the tent, he sat down on the back of a cart with a towel over his head and his left hand cradling his forehead.
Nico Collins went to the locker room and is being evaluated for a concussion, the Texans announced. pic.twitter.com/sUGNipbmkr
- ESPN (@espn) January 13, 2026
Houston ruled him out shortly after he left the game with a concussion. Further details of Collins' condition weren't initially clear. Fellow Texans wide receiver Justin Watson was also ruled out with a concussion.
The injury took place early in the fourth quarter as the Texans held a 7-6 lead. Houston's defense controlled the game from with two defensive touchdowns as the Texans opened the one-point contest into a blowout.
Collins is Houston's top receiver, but played a secondary role to Christian Kirk prior to his exit. Collins had 3 catches for 21 yards when he left the game, while Kirk finished with 8 receptions for 144 yards a touchdown.
His health moving forward will be a significant storyline for next week and beyond.