Jayden Higgins tears ACL in massive blow to Texans

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: Jayden Higgins #81 of the Houston Texans looks on as he takes the field prior to an NFC Divisional Playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. | Getty Images The Houston Texans’ quest to put it all together in 2026 suffered a mammoth blow on Wednesday with the news that starting wide receiver Jayden Higgins tore his ACL in joint practice with the Raiders. The team has not made an official announcement on the injury, with news thus far coming from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, however, it’s likely the injury will cause Higgins to miss the season. Higgins was listed as a starter on the Texans’ first depth chart of the season, slotting across from Nico Collins. It was his job to stretch the field as the team’s primary deep threat, which will now likely fall to Jaylin Noel, who was selected in the 3rd round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The team isn’t without depth at the position, but Tank Dell is still recovering from the injury he sustained last season, with the belief that he would be brought along slowly so he could fully heal. Now the team is being pressured into finding a quick answer for their receiving corps at a terrible time. Despite boasting one of the best defenses in the NFL last season, the Texans struggled offensively — particularly in the passing game. This was largely due to inconsistent protection for C.J. Stroud, but also a lack of consistency at the WR position due to injuries. The hope was that 2026 would be the marquee year that both Stroud had reliable weapons and the offensive line had been upgraded to allow for him to make throws. Higgins finished the 2025 season with 41 catches for 525 yards and 6 touchdowns with 10 games as a starter. It’s going to be a rough start for the season in Houston while this team finds ways to adjust.

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