DJ Bien-AimeJan 12, 2026, 11:04 PM ET
- DJ Bien-Aime covers the Houston Texans for ESPN. He joined ESPN in July of 2022 after covering the New York Jets for the New York Daily News. He's a former athlete who finished his college career at Louisville. You can catch DJ on ESPN Radio on his show "Talkin' Texans."
PITTSBURGH -- Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins left Monday night's 30-6 wild-card playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on a cart because of a concussion.
Collins was injured after quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a pass to him on a slant route early in the fourth quarter with Houston leading 7-6. Collins fell on his face, dropped the ball and immediately put both of his hands to his face in apparent pain.
Houston's training staff took Collins to the blue medical tent, and the three-time 1,000-yard receiver was carted to the locker room shortly after and later ruled out.
Collins also sustained a concussion earlier this season, in the Texans' loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7. He returned in a loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 9.
The Texans have a short week, next playing Sunday in the divisional round at the New England Patriots.
Collins had three receptions on seven targets for 21 yards against the Steelers. He led the Texans in the regular season in receiving yards with 1,117 and was tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns with six.
The Texans also lost wide receiver Justin Watson to a concussion in the second half. Safety Jaylen Reed, who was activated from injured reserve early Monday after a forearm injury, left briefly in the first quarter because of a knee injury.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
