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Texans’ Nico Collins carted to locker room during Steelers game amid injury concern
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- Texans’ Nico Collins carted to locker room during Steelers game amid injury concern
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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins took a hard hit early against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Monday Night Football in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
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Collins left the game on third down following physical coverage from cornerback Joey Porter Jr. , halting a promising Texans drive.
At the time of the play, the game was scoreless. Pittsburgh later converted a field goal to take a 3–0 lead with eight minutes left in the first quarter. The sequence set an immediate physical tone in a high-stakes playoff environment where every snap carried added urgency.
Still Curtains' Loyal Ricks Jr. took to his X (formerly known as Twitter), sharing the observation from the press box.
"Joey Porter Jr. Is playing physical man coverage on Nico Collins .
Collins leaves the game on third down."
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Houston responded to the early injury scare with resilience as the opening quarter unfolded into a defensive struggle. Pittsburgh struck first when Chris Boswell drilled a 32-yard field goal after the Texans defense tightened in the red zone, giving the Steelers a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Aaron Rodgers targeted DK Metcalf early with play action and quick throws, but Houston limited the damage and forced multiple punts.
Collins was later to return after that hit, but in the fourth quarter, he had to be carted to the locker room after an apparent head injury.
According to the Texans, Collins is questionable to return to the Steelers game, as he is being evaluated for a concussion. Houston later ruled him out for the rest of the contest (h/t Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network).
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The Texans' offense showed flashes despite consistent pressure. C.J. Stroud delivered key third-down completions, including a 16-yard strike to Xavier Hutchinson , and later found Cade Stover for an eight-yard gain to end the first quarter. Christian Kirk provided Houston's biggest spark with a 36-yard diving catch into Steelers territory shortly after Collins exited.
The Texans' most costly mistake came late in the quarter when a flea flicker backfired. Steelers rookie Jack Sawyer strip-sacked C.J. Stroud, forcing a turnover at the Pittsburgh 44-yard line. The Steelers failed to capitalize on the takeaway, keeping the game tight.
Related: Texans' Woody Marks goes full DeMarcus Cousins with IG post after crushing Steelers
Related: Texans RB Woody Marks credits O-line for rushing success vs. Steelers on MNF
