The Houston Texans are making headlines as they head into their regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts without their top offensive weapon, wide receiver Nico Collins. The decision, confirmed on January 4, 2026, has sent ripples through the NFL community, with fans and analysts alike buzzing about what this means for both the Texans’ immediate playoff hopes and their postseason aspirations.
Collins, who has been the Texans’ most consistent and explosive offensive player this season, will be a healthy scratch for the pivotal Week 18 matchup. According to multiple sources, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander, the move is not injury-related. Instead, the Texans are opting to rest Collins, prioritizing his health and freshness for the playoffs. A league source told KPRC 2, “Collins, a repeat Pro Bowl selection, doesn’t have an injury.” He was rested Wednesday but practiced on Thursday and Friday, only to be officially ruled out Sunday morning.
This decision comes with significant playoff implications. With their postseason spot already locked up, Houston is looking to ensure Collins is at full strength when the Wild Card Round kicks off next week. Still, the stakes remain high for the Texans in Week 18. If they manage to defeat the Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars fall to the Tennessee Titans, Houston will clinch the AFC South title. Otherwise, the Texans could end up as the fifth seed or land in one of the three wild card spots, depending on the outcome of other games.
Collins’ absence is certainly noteworthy. Over his 15 games this season, he has hauled in 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus, ranking him seventh among all wide receivers in receiving yards. His impact against the Colts has been particularly impressive throughout his career. In seven games versus Indianapolis, Collins has caught 33 of 46 passes for 626 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a staggering 18.9 yards per reception. In their last meeting in Week 13, Collins tallied five catches for 98 yards and added a 7-yard rushing touchdown, helping propel the Texans to victory.
It’s not the first time Collins has missed a game this season. Earlier, he sat out against the San Francisco 49ers due to a concussion, and the Texans managed a 26-15 win in his absence. This time, however, the circumstances are much different. The Texans’ coaching staff, led by DeMeco Ryans, had previously indicated that their starters would play with an AFC South title on the line. Yet, as the week progressed, the team ultimately chose the safer route, keeping Collins on the sidelines to ensure he’s ready for the games that matter most.
With Collins out, Houston will look to a mix of young and experienced receivers to fill the void. Rookie wideout Jayden Higgins and fellow first-year player Jaylin Noel are expected to see increased snaps. Both made their presence felt in last week’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers, with Higgins catching a 75-yard touchdown and Noel snagging a 43-yard score in the opening quarter. Veteran tight end Dalton Schultz, enjoying a career year with 78 catches for 704 yards and three touchdowns, will also be a key target for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Other receivers in the mix include Xavier Hutchinson, Christian Kirk, and Justin Watson, giving the Texans a variety of options despite the absence of their star.
The Colts, meanwhile, aren’t without their own lineup challenges. They’ll be missing standout cornerback Sauce Gardner, who joined Indianapolis in a mid-season trade and is under contract through 2030. Gardner’s absence leaves the Colts’ secondary vulnerable, with Mekhi Blackmon, Johnathan Edwards, and Cameron Mitchell stepping into starting roles at outside cornerback. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who made a surprise return from retirement to start three games for the Colts this season, is also inactive for the finale. Other key inactives include Eric Johnson, Reuben Lowery, Will Mallory, and George Odum for Indianapolis, while Houston will be without Braxton Berrios, linebacker Jamal Hill, cornerback Kamari Lassiter, running back Nick Chubb, offensive tackle Trent Brown, and third quarterback Graham Mertz.
The decision to rest Collins underscores the Texans’ confidence in their depth and their eye on the bigger picture. Head coach DeMeco Ryans and his staff know that while a win against the Colts could improve their playoff seeding, the health of their top playmaker is paramount. “The Texans are opting to rest Pro Bowl WR Nico Collins for the playoffs,” Jonathan M. Alexander reported, highlighting the team’s cautious approach.
For Collins, the 2025-26 campaign has been another banner year. This marks his third consecutive season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and his second-highest career total. A former third-round pick out of Michigan, Collins now boasts 289 career receptions for 4,347 yards and 24 touchdowns. His performance has not only solidified his status as the Texans’ go-to receiver but also as one of the league’s most dynamic pass-catchers.
The Texans’ strategy isn’t without risk. Resting Collins could mean a less potent offense against a Colts team eager to play spoiler, especially with their own playoff hopes dashed. Still, Houston’s supporting cast has shown flashes of brilliance, and the coaching staff appears confident in their ability to get the job done without their top star. The game, scheduled for a 12 p.m. CT kickoff at NRG Stadium, promises to be a test of depth, resilience, and strategic planning.
As the Texans prepare for what they hope will be a deep playoff run, all eyes will be on how the offense adapts without Collins in the lineup. Will Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel step up under the bright lights? Can Dalton Schultz continue his reliable production? And will the Texans’ gamble to rest their top receiver pay off when the postseason begins?
One thing’s for sure: the Texans have made their priorities clear, and the NFL world will be watching closely to see if their calculated risk leads to playoff glory. As Houston takes the field against Indianapolis, the story isn’t just about who’s missing—it’s about who’s ready to rise to the occasion with everything on the line.