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Texans Rule Out Nico Collins, Christian Kirk for Week 8 vs. 49ers

The absences push rookies Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins into larger roles versus a disciplined 49ers defense.

Overview

  • Houston’s final injury report lists Collins (concussion) and Kirk (hamstring) as out for Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET home game at NRG Stadium.
  • Practice-squad receiver Jared Wayne was elevated, with Noel, Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Dalton Schultz expected to see expanded opportunities.
  • Collins leads the Texans in targets, receiving yards and touchdowns through six games, heightening the impact on C.J. Stroud’s passing game.
  • Collins did not clear the NFL’s concussion protocol after his Week 7 head injury, and a short week limited his chances to return.
  • San Francisco is also short-handed on defense without Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and Bryce Huff, pointing to a defense-heavy matchup despite Houston’s offensive struggles at 2-4.