Overview
- Collins sustained a concussion against the Steelers and missed practices all week, resulting in his out status for Sunday.
- C.J. Stroud is expected to redistribute targets to Dalton Schultz, Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson and Christian Kirk, who posted 144 yards in the wild-card win.
- Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins warned against complacency, noting Houston still fields multiple capable receivers.
- Collins led the Texans with 1,117 receiving yards and six touchdowns this season, marking his third straight 1,000-yard campaign.
- Houston has a precedent for producing without Collins, and local reporting suggests New England could get defensive help back, including CB Christian Gonzalez or run-stopper Khyiris Tonga.