“As everyone knows, it takes time,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said of Collins’ status. “Each guy heals differently at different places. So, we’ll see how the week goes for Nico. But, as of right now, he’s in the concussion protocol.”

Collins was carted off the field during the third quarter of a 30-6 wild-card round victory after his head struck the ground hard. As Collins attempted to catch a pass with Steelers corner Joey Porter Jr. in coverage, the crown of his helmet crashed into the ground.

The unforgiving hard surface of Acrisure Stadiumand the force of the blow knocked Collins out of the game. He was slow to get up and went to the blue medical tent for further evaluation with trainers

With a towel over his head, Collins was then taken off the field in a cart to the locker room. After the game, Collins was walking around and still obviously feeling some effects of the head injury.

This marks Collins’ second concussion of the season. Previously, he missed the next game when he was in the NFL concussion protocol. That is fairly standard in the NFL when it comes to concussions.

“We’ll see how the week goes,” Ryans said of Collins, his leading receiver with 71 catches for 1,117 yards during the regular season.

Without Collins, the Texans leaned heavily on veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk. And Kirk delivered his top performance with the Texans since joining the team in an offseason trade. He caught eight passes for 144 yards and one touchdown on nine targets.

“We’re hoping Nico can play and be able to play this game,” quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “But, if not, we’ve had this experience before. Played a couple of games this year without him, sadly. But all our guys are talented and we have a lot of depth in that room.

“I’m the most confident in everybody in there to get the job done. So, hopefully Nico is all right. But, I think if not, we just got to know what else we can do, just go forward and try to build with the guys we have.”

If Collins can’t return, the Texans will lean on Kirk in addition to rookie Jayden Higgins, backup Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Dalton Schultz.

“Obviously, Nico is a big part of what we do, and it’s a big loss with him going down, but we’re a senior group,” Kirk said. “We’re one unit, and any of us at any moment can step up and be able to fill the void and make plays when they’re needed to happen My number was called, and glad that I was able to step up in those moments.”

Doug Pike