Texans WR Collins (concussion) ruled out vs. Pats

HOUSTON — Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins of the Houston Texans has been declared inactive for this Sunday’s playoff matchup against the New England Patriots due to a concussion.

Collins sustained the injury during a face-first fall while attempting to catch a pass in the Texans’ 30-6 Wild Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. The forceful hit caused him to instinctively grasp his face immediately.

The medical staff promptly attended to Collins, and it wasn’t long before he was taken to the locker room on a cart.

As Houston’s primary playmaker, Collins accumulated 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns throughout the season.

The Texans will count on wide receiver Christian Kirk to rise to the occasion and capitalize on his impressive performance from the Wild Card round. Kirk recorded a career-best 144 receiving yards, which not only propelled the Texans to victory but also established a franchise postseason record, surpassing Collins’ previous record from last year’s Wild Card against the Los Angeles Chargers.