Texans' Collins, Watson suffer concussions in playoff win over Steelers; Reed injures knee

The Houston Texans face significant injury challenges as they prepare for their upcoming playoff matchup against the New England Patriots.

Why it matters: As the Texans advance to the divisional round, the health of key players like Nico Collins and Justin Watson could greatly influence their offensive capabilities.

• With Collins leading the team in receiving yards during the regular season (1,117 yards) and tied for the most receiving touchdowns (six), his absence would be a substantial blow.
• The Texans are looking to build on their recent 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers but will need their best players available to maintain momentum.

What’s new: Nico Collins suffered a concussion during the playoff game against the Steelers, raising concerns about his availability for the next round.

• The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter while he was targeted on a slant route. After falling hard, he was immediately carted off the field, indicating the severity of the situation.
• Just prior to this incident, Collins had managed three receptions for 21 yards against Pittsburgh.

Yes, but: The Texans have experienced injuries before, and Collins has shown resilience throughout the season.

• Earlier this year, Collins returned from a concussion sustained in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks, indicating that recovery is possible, though player safety remains paramount.
• The Texans medical staff will need to closely monitor Collins’ condition leading up to the game against the Patriots.

What to watch: The status of Justin Watson and safety Jaylen Reed adds another layer of uncertainty for the Texans.

• Watson also suffered a concussion in the same game against Pittsburgh, while Reed exited with a knee injury after being activated from injured reserve.
• The effectiveness of C.J. Stroud's passing game could hinge on the depth of the receiving corps and whether these players can participate in practice ahead of the next matchup.

The bottom line: The Texans are gearing up for a pivotal game against New England, but injuries to key players could complicate their game plan.

• If Collins and Watson are ruled out or limited, head coach DeMeco Ryans may need to adjust his strategy to accommodate less experienced receivers, potentially impacting offensive productivity against a formidable Patriots defense.

Zoom Out: The playoffs bring heightened intensity, but they also increase the risk of injuries, which can change a team's trajectory.

• The Texans must navigate these challenges carefully, ensuring both player safety and competitive viability as they pursue postseason success.