Texans lose second-year WR for season ahead of Week 1’s game vs. Bills
Buffalo Rumblings • • sports
Key Points:
- Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins, a 2025 second-round pick, suffered a season-ending ACL tear during a joint practice with the Raiders, ruling him out for the 2026 season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
- Higgins, who had 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, was a key outside receiver, appearing in nearly 58% of Houston's offensive snaps and expected to form a strong tandem with Nico Collins.
- Veteran Xavier Hutchinson is likely to replace Higgins, but his previous performance metrics indicate he is not at Higgins’ talent level, potentially weakening Houston’s receiving corps.
- The Texans' passing offense, which ranked 25th in EPA per drop back last season, will face challenges without Higgins, while the Bills' secondary will have fewer threats to contend with in Week 1.
- Other Houston receivers expected to contribute include 2025 third-round pick Jaylin Noel and depth players Justin Watson, Jared Wayne, and rookie Lewis Bond.
