Week 8 has dealt not one but two significant blows to C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans’ offense, and right as they face a resilient San Francisco 49ers team. Stroud will be without his top two receivers, Nico Collins and Christian Kirk.
This has been a season of trials for the Texans, who are 2-4. Their opponents in the two wins combined for a 2-11 record through seven-plus weeks.
Now, Stroud and Co. must overcome yet another hurdle.
Texans Rule Out Christian Kirk, Nico Collins vs 49ers
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers.
Friday’s injury report was not kind to the Texans. Collins and Kirk missed every practice session en route to being ruled out for Sunday’s contest against the 49ers. The 49ers enter this contest 5-2 despite a slew of injuries, including starters Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa.
Collins suffered a concussion in the Texans’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7, and he failed to clear the five-step concussion protocols to return for Week 8.
Collins, Stroud’s No. 1 target, has 26 receptions for 339 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Kirk missed time during the preseason and the Texans’ first two contests of the regular season with a hamstring injury. His latest stint on the sideline comes after he suffered a setback during practice in Week 7 and sat out against the Seahawks.
The Texans acquired Kirk in a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason amid a history of injury issues.
The Texans also ruled out cornerback Alijah Huzzie with a knee injury.
Injury Issues Continue for ‘Frustrated’ Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander noted that “the Texans’ effort to improve offense just got harder” as Collins’ absence figures to “further complicate things” for a team that is “already facing adversity.”
“The offense has been a dud through six games, and everyone is frustrated,” Alexander wrote on October 24. “Without Collins, it could get ugly.”
Houston’s offense ranks 21st in scoring and 22nd overall entering this contest.
Stroud is having a career year in terms of completion percentage (64.8) and touchdown rate (4.7%). However, his passing yards are down, and he has faced consistent pressure due to a leaky offensive line.
The Texans’ ground attack has also been inconsistent, leaving their top-ranked scoring (and No. 4 overall) defense to carry an undue burden.
Stroud has expressed confidence in rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
Alexander noted that neither player has logged enough snaps to warrant significant confidence that they can carry the load for the Texans, though. Xavier Hutchinson and Braxton Berrios also figure to be far more involved.
Texans Awaiting Final Word on Defensive Duo
GettyJaylin Smith #30 of the Houston Texans warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers.
While Collins and Kirk were ruled out, the Texans also cleared defensive linemen Darrell Taylor and Derek Barnett and tight ends Brenden Bates and Dalton Schultz.
The Texans listed cornerback and rookie third-round pick Jaylin Smith as questionable, along with veteran defensive lineman Denico Autry. Autry made his 2025 debut in Week 7, while Smith has been sidelined since Week 2 and remains on injured reserve.
This is Smith’s second stint on IR, after he also missed time during the summer.
The Texans have the fourth-toughest remaining schedule based on opponents’ record, so Stroud needs Collins and Kirk’s respective absences to be of the short-term variety.
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