Is Nico Collins playing vs. Patriots? Injury update on Texans WR
The Houston Texans are back in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs for the third year in a row under coach DeMeco Ryans.
Once again, Houston has one of the top defenses in the league, especially against the pass. Edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter lead the way up front with first-team All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. setting the tone in the secondary.
Houston's offense endured a tumultuous start to the season under first-year coordinator Nick Caley and a rookie starting left tackle in Aireontae Ersery. But the Texans found more of a groove down the stretch of the regular season.
Their 30-6 win over Pittsburgh in the wild-card round marked their 10th win in a row, and they overcame five fumbles by quarterback C.J. Stroud. Houston earned that win despite missing leading receiver Nico Collins for most of the second half. He entered the league's concussion protocol after trying to catch a pass over the middle of the field and landing hard on his head.
Houston will face the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs. Will the Texans have their top wide receiver for that contest? Here's the latest on Collins' status:
Is Nico Collins playing against the Patriots?Collins will not suit up against New England. The Texans ruled him out in their final injury report released Friday, Jan. 16.
He and fellow wide receiver Justin Watson will both miss the divisional round as they make their way through concussion protocol.
Houston will lean on veteran Christian Kirk again as well as rookie Jayden Higgins at the position with Collins sidelined.
What is the NFL's concussion protocol?The NFL breaks its concussion protocol down into five distinct steps. The process is designed to break up the recovery process from a head injury, ensuring a player's safety.
Here are the five steps of the protocol,according to the NFL:
- Symptom-limited activity
- Aerobic exercise
- Football-specific exercise
- Club-based non-contact training drills
- Full football activity/clearance
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nico Collins injury update: Is Texans WR playing vs Patriots?