Ahead of the divisional matchup in Foxborough, the Houston Texans’ wide receiver picture has tightened. Nico Collins exited the Pittsburgh Steelers game after a hard landing and was subsequently placed in concussion protocol; he is ruled out today. Justin Watson is also out due to concussion protocol. Tank Dell remains out.
The Texans’ passing game now pivots to depth and recent contributors, with Christian Kirk’s breakout against Pittsburgh and rookie Jayden Higgins’ larger role since midseason. Houston’s defense has been among the league’s best, but offensive sequencing will depend on timely production from the remaining receivers and tight ends.
Texans’ Wide Receiver Depth Chart
The Texans’ updated WR group reflects multiple injuries and late-season adjustments. Collins and Watson are out per the final report, and Dell remains unavailable.
The Sporting News depth chart lists Kirk, Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, and Braxton Berrios among the available options, each having stepped in at various points during the year.
With Collins sidelined, C.J. Stroud is expected to lean on Kirk, who posted eight receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown versus Pittsburgh, and Higgins, whose role increased after the Week 6 bye. Noel and Hutchinson offer complementary snaps, while Berrios adds situational depth.
C.J Stroud’s Available Wide Receivers Options vs. Patriots
Jaylin Noel
Noel, a rookie from Iowa State, saw limited usage overall but flashed with 4 receptions for 77 yards on Monday Night Football in Week 7 against Seattle. He’s listed as part of the rotation behind starters and could see expanded work in multi‑receiver sets.
Jayden Higgins
Higgins, a second‑round pick from Iowa State, gained momentum after the Week 6 bye. He has multiple games with seven or more targets and five touchdowns since becoming more active in the offense, positioning him as a key perimeter option with Collins out.
Xavier Hutchinson
Hutchinson, a third‑year receiver from Iowa State, delivered a career‑best 2025 season with 35 catches for 428 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown. He has stepped up when injuries struck and profiles as depth with potential to be a chain‑moving target.
Christian Kirk
Kirk, in his eighth NFL season, was limited for stretches during the regular season but had a season‑best performance in the Wild Card win: 8 receptions, 144 yards, and a touchdown. He is expected to be Stroud’s primary veteran target today.
Braxton Berrios
Berrios has appeared in four games this season, recording 6 catches for 37 yards. He provides slot and return experience and profiles as depth behind the top trio, with usage likely driven by personnel packages and down‑and‑distance.
The Patriots’ defense has allowed limited yardage and will test Houston’s adjusted receiver rotation with Collins and Watson out. Houston’s passing plan centers on Kirk and Higgins, complemented by Noel and Hutchinson, plus Dalton Schultz at tight end.
The Texans’ defense remains a strength; offensively, efficient third‑down execution and clean protection for Stroud are essential against a disciplined Patriots unit.
