Texans likely to be without star Nico Collins vs. Patriots

The Texans’ offense likely won’t be at full strength on Sunday. 

After sustaining a concussion during Monday night’s wild-card round win over the Steelers, star wide receiver Nico Collins is a “long shot” to play against the Patriots in New England, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Alexander. 

Collins, 26, remained in concussion protocol and did not practice Thursday, leaving his status in doubt for Sunday. 

It’s Collins’ second concussion of the season after he sustained one during Week 7 against the Seahawks. He returned two weeks later.

The 26-year-old Michigan product has emerged one of the top pass-catchers in the league over the past few seasons, leading the Texans with 1,117 receiving yards this season, which was his third straight 1,000-yard campaign.

Collins had just three catches for 21 yards before going down in the second half in Pittsburgh. 

The Texans will face a much tougher pass defense on Sunday than they did against the Steelers, who struggled defending the pass all year. 

During the regular season, the Patriots ranked top 10 in both passing yards allowed per game and passing yards allowed per attempt. 

On Sunday, New England held Justin Herbert and the Chargers to just three points during their first-round win in Foxborough. 

Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez is also dealing with an injury, which could soften the New England secondary for the Texans’ pass game, although he appears more likely to play than Collins. 

If Collins can’t go, C.J. Stroud will likely turn to wide receiver Christian Kirk, who had eight catches for 144 yards, a career-high, and a touchdown during Monday night’s win.