Houston Texans Wide Receiver Jayden Higgins Torn ACL Ends His Season
The Houston Texans faced a major setback when second-year wide receiver Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL during practice against the Las Vegas Raiders. The injury will keep him out for the entire 2026 NFL season, dealing a blow to the team’s receiving group as the regular season approaches.
Higgins went down awkwardly while running a route in the end zone during red-zone drills. He was unable to stand immediately but eventually walked off the field under his own power. This marks a tough end to what had been a promising start to his second year with the team.
As a rookie, Higgins started 10 games and recorded 525 receiving yards along with six touchdowns. His size and ability made him a key target for quarterback CJ Stroud. With Higgins out, the Texans will rely more on other receivers like Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell, and Jaylin Noel.
Hutchinson, who had a strong season last year with 35 catches and three touchdowns, is seen as the most likely to step up. Dell is recovering from a serious knee injury that kept him out all of last season, while Noel has been limited by a broken finger and hamstring tightness. Both players will need to prove their readiness for more playing time.
The timing of Higgins’ injury is particularly challenging, as training camp is crucial for building chemistry between quarterbacks and receivers. The Texans still have Nico Collins as their top receiver and a solid tight end group, but the loss of Higgins leaves questions about how the offense will adapt.
With playoff aspirations this year, the team’s depth at wide receiver will be tested sooner than expected. The coaching staff must evaluate how quickly Dell and Noel can return to full form and if other players can take on larger roles.
For now, Higgins’ focus will be on surgery and a lengthy recovery process. ACL tears typically require months of rehabilitation, meaning his next chance to play will come in 2027. Fans and the organization hope he returns stronger after this setback.