The Houston Texans
have lost one of their most promising young receivers before the 2026 season could even get underway. Second-year wide receiver Jayden Higgins
suffered a torn ACL during Tuesday's joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders
, ending his season before it began.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the injury and held nothing back about what it means for the team.
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"Very unfortunate news with Jayden going down with the torn ACL. He'll be out for the year. And it hurt," Ryans told reporters, per SportsTalk790's Adam Wexler.
"Jayden is a guy I've highlighted every time I've gotten up and talked.
"He's one of our best players, if not arguably the best player on the field when he's been out there. So it's a significant loss for us. We got a void to fill there, and it won't be easy to fill the void that Jayden is leaving behind."
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The injury happened during 11-on-11 red zone drills on Tuesday. Higgins was running a route in the end zone when he hit the ground awkwardly and stayed down. He eventually limped off the field under his own power. The injury was later confirmed by an MRI, turning what initially looked like a leg issue into a major setback for the Texans. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport broke the news Wednesday.
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"Sources: Texans WR Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL during the joint practice against the Raiders. A tough blow to the Houston receiving room," Rapoport posted on social media.
Higgins was entering his second season as Houston's No. 2 receiver behind two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins
. The Texans drafted him 34th overall out of Iowa State in 2025, and he quickly became a dependable target for C.J. Stroud
, finishing his rookie year with 41 catches, 525 yards and six touchdowns. He also added nine catches for 98 yards across two playoff games.
Collins had praised Higgins effusively just weeks earlier at training camp.
"He's a dog," Collins said. "He has all the tools in the world. He's going to be the face of this franchise at some point."
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Higgins had impressed during practices with his size, route running and ability to make contested catches. Earlier in camp, Ryans highlighted his growth.
"First play of practice today, he runs a great route, C.J. gives him a great ball. It just shows his growth."
Houston still has options in Tank Dell
, Xavier Hutchinson
, and Jaylin Noel
. Both Dell and Noel are dealing with their own injury concerns. Dell missed all of 2025 with a knee injury and is still working his way back, while Noel has been managing a broken finger and a hamstring issue throughout camp
The Texans will now turn their attention to the regular season, opening at home against the Buffalo Bills
on September 13. With Higgins sidelined, Houston will have to adjust its plans at receiver as it begins the season.
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