Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins will miss the entire 2026 season after tearing his ACL during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple reports. The second-year player, who caught 41 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, will now be replaced by emerging talents as the team navigates a critical offseason.
Injury Details and Immediate Impact
Higgins sustained a torn ACL during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, as reported by NFL Network, ESPN, and KPRC2 Houston. The injury, confirmed by multiple sources, will keep the second-round draft pick from the 2025 NFL Draft out of the 2026 season entirely. In his rookie campaign, Higgins showcased growth, catching 41 of 68 targets and seeing his target share increase by 8.1 percentage points during Houston’s nine-game winning streak, according to NFL.com.
The Texans’ depth chart already listed Higgins alongside Nico Collins and Xavier Hutchinson as starting wideouts, but his absence creates a void in a passing game that relied on his contributions. Collins, coming off his third straight 1,000-yard season, will remain the primary target, but Higgins’ role as a complementary receiver is now uncertain. Bleacherreport noted that Higgins was expected to be a key option for quarterback C.J. Stroud when Collins faced coverage.
The injury occurred during a joint practice held in Houston on Tuesday, with the report confirmed by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Wednesday, via sources. Higgins, the No. 34 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had 10 starts as a rookie and totaled 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 17 appearances. His role grew significantly after Tank Dell’s season-ending knee injury in 2024, as he became a key part of Houston’s passing game during the team’s nine-game winning streak.
Team Implications and Roster Adjustments
The Texans must now pivot to younger players amid the loss. Jaylin Noel, who is recovering from hamstring and pinky injuries, and sixth-round pick Lewis Bond are among the names expected to see increased opportunities. Xavier Hutchinson could also step into a larger role, as noted by NFL.com. The team’s reliance on Tank Dell, who missed the 2025 season due to knee injuries, remains a critical factor in their strategy.
Dell’s recovery timeline is still unclear, but his return could alleviate pressure on the receiving corps. UPI reported that Dell, who had 1,376 receiving yards in 2023 and 2024, is a major question mark
but remains a focal point for the Texans’ offense. The team’s preseason schedule, including a matchup against the Raiders on Thursday and the Panthers on August 28, will offer early glimpses of how the receiving group adapts.
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The Texans’ unofficial depth chart for 2026 lists Higgins, Collins, and Hutchinson as starting wideouts, with Justin Watson, Tank Dell, and Jaylin Noel as backups. Noel, who returned to practice Tuesday in Houston after dealing with hamstring and pinky injuries, is expected to play a role. However, the team’s ability to replace Higgins’ production will depend on the development of younger players like Lewis Bond and Xavier Hutchinson.
Preseason Schedule and Future Outlook
With Higgins sidelined, the Texans’ focus shifts to evaluating their depth ahead of the regular season. C.J. Stroud, whose fifth-year option has been picked up by the Texans, faces heightened expectations to perform. Bleacherreport highlighted that Stroud’s 2026 season could determine his long-term value, with Higgins’ injury complicating the team’s plans.
The Texans will host the Buffalo Bills in their regular season opener on September 13 in Houston, but the team’s ability to replace Higgins’ production will be a key storyline. As UPI noted, the injury adds pressure on both the coaching staff and players to adapt quickly.
The team’s preseason schedule includes a matchup against the Raiders on Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT in Houston, followed by a finale against the Carolina Panthers on August 28 in Charlotte, N.C. These games will serve as critical evaluation opportunities for players like Noel, Hutchinson, and Bond.
Higgins’ injury also impacts the team’s playoff aspirations. With Stroud’s fifth-year option locked in, the team’s success will depend on his ability to build chemistry with new targets. As the 2026 season approaches, the Texans must rely on their depth chart and the resilience of their young players to overcome the loss of Higgins.
