Texans QB faces Patriots without star receiver as ball security concerns linger
C.J. Stroud will take the field Sunday for the Houston Texans against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round, but the third-year quarterback faces his toughest test yet without top target Nico Collins due to concussion protocol.
The Texans’ star wide receiver was ruled out after failing to progress through NFL concussion protocol following a head injury sustained during Monday’s 30-6 Wild Card victory over Pittsburgh. Collins, a two-time Pro Bowler who leads the Texans receiving corps, fell face-first during the third quarter and was carted off the field.
Stroud’s Ball Security Concerns Mount
While Stroud advanced Houston to the Divisional Round, his performance raised immediate red flags. The quarterback finished 21-of-32 for 250 yards and one touchdown but committed three turnovers—one interception and two lost fumbles—against a Steelers team that struggled offensively.
Former NFL head coach Buddy Pierce delivered a blunt assessment following the win. “He’s had a hell of a rookie season, but take care of the football,” Pierce said. “Ball security equals job security. For him, it’s very loose.”
Stroud’s playoff record sits at 3-2, but he remains winless in Divisional Round matchups at 0-2, adding another layer of pressure to Sunday’s contest.
Texans Offense Faces Uphill Battle
The absence of Collins forces the Texans to lean on receiving alternatives including rookie Jayden Higgins, Woody Marks, and tight end Dalton Schultz. The move comes as Houston’s offense ranks 22nd in total EPA (expected points added) heading into the playoffs.
On the positive side, right tackle Trent Brown returned to practice Friday after missing two days and will play Sunday. Brown, who won a Super Bowl with New England in 2018, has been instrumental in Stroud posting the lowest sack rate of his career during the 2025 regular season.
Patriots Present Formidable Challenge
New England’s defense ranks fourth in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing just 20.2 points per game during the regular season. The Patriots’ defense features proven ability to create pressure despite ranking fifth-fewest in sacks and ninth-lowest in pressure rate.
Houston’s defense, however, offers a silver lining. The unit’s suffocating performance against Pittsburgh—particularly forcing multiple turnovers—suggests the Texans can win despite offensive struggles if Stroud and the receiving corps can limit mistakes.
The Divisional Round matchup kicks off Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
