Week 8 has dealt not one but two significant blows to C. J. Stroud and the Houston Texans’ offense, arriving at a critical time as they prepare to face a resilient San Francisco 49ers team. Stroud will be without his top two receivers, Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, presenting a major challenge for the struggling Texans.
### Texans Rule Out Christian Kirk and Nico Collins vs. 49ers
Friday’s injury report was not kind to Houston. Both Collins and Kirk missed every practice session throughout the week and were officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
Despite numerous injuries, including key starters Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa, San Francisco enters this matchup with a strong 5-2 record. Meanwhile, Houston sits at 2-4 on the season. Their two wins so far have come against teams with a combined record of just 2-11 through seven-plus weeks, highlighting the challenges ahead.
Collins suffered a concussion during the Texans’ Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was unable to clear the mandatory five-step concussion protocol in time for Week 8. As Stroud’s No. 1 target this season, Collins has recorded 26 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns.
Kirk has battled injuries throughout the year, missing time during the preseason and the first two regular-season games with a hamstring issue. His latest absence follows a setback in practice during Week 7, which forced him to sit out against Seattle. Acquired in a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, Kirk’s availability has been hindered by a history of injuries.
Houston also ruled out cornerback Alijah Huzzie with a knee injury ahead of Sunday’s contest.
### Injury Issues Continue for a ‘Frustrated’ Texans Offense
Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle noted that “the Texans’ effort to improve offense just got harder” with the news of Collins’ absence. He added that this development “further complicates things” for a team already facing adversity.
“The offense has been a dud through six games, and everyone is frustrated,” Alexander wrote on October 24. “Without Collins, it could get ugly.”
Currently, Houston’s offense ranks 21st in scoring and 22nd overall as they head into Week 8. While Stroud is enjoying a career year in terms of completion percentage (64.8%) and touchdown rate (4.7%), his passing yards have declined, partly due to consistent pressure resulting from a porous offensive line.
The Texans’ rushing attack has been inconsistent as well, forcing their top-ranked scoring defense—ranked No. 4 overall—to shoulder an excessive burden.
Stroud has expressed confidence in rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to step up. However, Alexander pointed out that neither player has logged enough snaps to instill significant confidence that they can carry the load. Veterans Xavier Hutchinson and Braxton Berrios are also expected to play larger roles in the passing game.
### Texans Await Final Word on Defensive Duo
While Collins and Kirk were ruled out, the Texans cleared defensive linemen Darrell Taylor and Derek Barnett, as well as tight ends Brenden Bates and Dalton Schultz, making them available for Sunday.
Cornerback and rookie third-round pick Jaylin Smith remains questionable, as does veteran defensive lineman Denico Autry. Autry returned from injury for his 2025 debut in Week 7, while Smith has been sidelined since Week 2 and remains on injured reserve. Notably, this marks Smith’s second stint on IR after missing time during the summer.
### Looking Ahead
The Texans face the fourth-toughest remaining schedule based on opponents’ records. With key receiving weapons sidelined, Stroud will need the absences of Collins and Kirk to be short-lived if Houston hopes to improve its fortunes moving forward.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/houston-texans/stroud-injury-report-collins-kirk-49ers/
