The Houston Texans ended the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season and legendary head coach Mike Tomlin’s tenure with the organization in thier 30-6 win over the Steelers on Monday night. As great as it was for the Texans to record the first road playoff win in franchise history, it proved to be a costly victory.
Star wide receiver Nico Collins, inarguably quarterback C.J. Stroud’s top target in the passing game, was forced out after suffering a head injury on a nasty collision with the ground.
Texans fans were hoping Collins could return in time for New England’s divisional round matchup with the New England Patriots, especially as Stroud has struggled lately. Unfortunately, the Texans have shared their injury report, and that’s not in the cards.
Houston #Texans Friday Injury Report & Game Status Report for the Divisional Round at the New England Patriots: pic.twitter.com/AUisdJjByT
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) January 16, 2026
Fans reacted to the brutal news on social media.
“Quiet impact: defenses can adjust to Houston’s remaining weapons more easily now,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Incoming Texans fans saying CJ Stroud is better without Nico Collins,” someone else added.
“Drake ‘The Schedule’ Maye gets another freebie,” another fan added.
“Ok so now we are gonna hear the excuses to why the Texans are gonna lose. Nico out check Watson out check Cj gotta carry the load check Patriots had easiest schedule check Now if the pats are such a weak team, why are you crying. You got the best/ second best D in the league,” one Pats fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if Stroud can put the team on his back and overcome the loss.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.