While the visitors won the game 30-6, it came at the cost of a Nico Collins injury. NFL Wild Card Weekend wrapped up Monday night, when the Houston Texans travelled to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The blow to his head is unfortunate for both the wide receiver and the team moving forward this postseason.
Luckily for Texans quarterback CJ Stroud and the rest of the offense, the defense was dominant in this game. There were numerous sloppy moments and poor snaps, but they led 7-6 going into the fourth quarter nonetheless. Both defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and safety Calen Bullock scored a touchdown for Houston’s defense that night, and Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was under constant pressure.
Covered by Pittsburgh cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the Collins injury occurred with 14:26 left in the game. The receiver was stretched out trying to catch the pass when Porter gave him a push. It didn’t appear to be intentional or dirty, but the coverage still forced the Texan to hit the dirt.
Porter had double-underhooks from the back, and the push angle rotated Collins head-first into the turf. The broadcast mentioned how confused he looked on the sideline, struggling even to enter the blue medical tent for concussion protocol. He was then carted away. MSN provided postgame comments from fellow Texans on the Collins injury.
“I got to throw him a better ball,” Stroud said. “That’s just the bottom line. It’s going to be tough. He’s our best player on offense. He’s one of the best players in the league, time and time again.”
Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans also commented, “We’ll evaluate him as the week goes on.” There’s nothing official announced yet, but the odds of failing concussion protocol and returning after a short week can’t be high.
The Steelers will continue to operate under the media-driven narrative that head coach Mike Tomlin’s job is in danger, and the Texans will hit the road again. The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers to earn the right to host this game. Will this Collins injury be too much to overcome, or is their defense just that dominant that it can carry them?
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