Nico Collins Injured, Updates on Texans WR After Being Carted Off vs. Steelers

The Houston Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in Monday's AFC Wild Card Round, but it was a costly victory.

No. 1 wide receiver Nico Collins was carted off the field with a head injury, and the Texans announced he was ruled out for the remainder of the contest during the fourth quarter.

Collins had three catches for 21 yards prior to the injury, and the Houston offense managed just a single touchdown in those first three quarters.

While his absence didn't cost the visitors Monday, it would be a significant blow if he cannot return for the next round. After all, he was the only wide receiver on the team to finish with more than 525 receiving yards this season.

Collins posted 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns on the campaign, which was his third straight with more than 1,000 yards.

The Michigan product is one of the best young receivers in the league, and it is difficult to envision Houston achieving its goal of winning the Super Bowl if he doesn't return to the field in this postseason.

While he is sidelined, look for the Texans to rely more on the rushing attack with Woody Marks to control the pace of play and remain ahead of the sticks. They have such a talented defense that the offense doesn't have to do much to win, so a strong rushing attack could help them advance.

Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson also figure to see more targets out wide, while C.J. Stroud will also rely on tight end Dalton Schultz as a safety valve.

Kirk filled the go-to role Monday with eight catches for 144 yards and one touchdown and may be asked to do the same against the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.