Overview
- Higgins left a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders during a red-zone drill on Tuesday and was later diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament that will sideline him for the 2026 season.
- NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport first reported the torn ACL on Aug. 19 and multiple national outlets quickly corroborated the diagnosis while the Texans have not released a full medical statement.
- The 23-year-old was a 2025 second-round pick who posted 41 catches, 525 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie and had been penciled in as the Texans’ No. 2 wide receiver opposite Nico Collins.
- Houston’s wide receiver room is shallow because Tank Dell is still rehabbing a major knee injury and Jaylin Noel has been limited by hamstring and finger issues, so the team is expected to promote internal options like Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne and consider veteran additions.
- Losing Higgins raises pressure on quarterback C.J. Stroud for red-zone targets and could prompt changes to play-calling, personnel packages, and roster moves before the Texans open their regular season on Sept. 13.