The Houston Texans suffered a major setback Wednesday as wide receiver Jayden Higgins was diagnosed with a torn ACL, ending his 2026 season before it could even begin. Higgins suffered the injury Tuesday during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders. The second-year receiver went down while running a route during a red-zone drill. He was eventually able to leave the field under his own power, but further testing confirmed the serious knee injury.
The injury is especially disappointing for Higgins, who entered training camp with high expectations after a promising rookie season. Selected by Houston with the 34th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Higgins appeared in all 17 regular-season games and started 10. He finished his rookie campaign with 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as an important part of the Texans’ passing attack.
Higgins was expected to take on an even bigger role this season alongside star receiver Nico Collins. His combination of size, athleticism and ability to make plays downfield made him a valuable target for quarterback C.J. Stroud. His injury now leaves Houston with a significant hole at wide receiver.
The Texans will likely turn to players such as Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel for increased opportunities. Houston could also look outside the organization for additional depth as the season approaches.
For Higgins, the focus will now shift toward rehabilitation and recovery. A torn ACL typically requires a lengthy recovery, meaning the young receiver faces a difficult road back to the field. After preparing for what could have been a breakout sophomore season, Higgins will have to wait until 2027 for his next opportunity.
