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3w ago

Jayden Higgins Tears ACL, Out for 2026 Season

The torn anterior cruciate ligament removes Houston’s projected No. 2 receiver and forces the Texans to address immediate depth at wideout through internal promotions or external additions.

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) warms up before an AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) touchdown reception against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center on Friday, July 31, 2026, Image 2 shows C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans on the field after a preseason loss against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, August 13, 2026
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian reaches in on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks who has the ball and whose knee is on the ground during overtime at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.

Overview

  • The injury happened during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday when Higgins landed awkwardly in the end zone and later limped off under his own power.
  • NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport first reported the torn ACL and the diagnosis was quickly corroborated by multiple national outlets and local team sources.
  • Higgins, the Texans’ 2025 second-round pick who had 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, will begin ACL rehab and is unavailable for the 2026 season under typical 9–12+ month recovery timelines.
  • Houston’s receiving room now leans on Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell and Jaylin Noel for increased snaps while the coaching staff and front office evaluate veteran free agents or trade targets to add experience and depth.
  • The loss compounds existing receiver health issues for the Texans and could affect game plans for quarterback C.J. Stroud this season as Houston balances player returns, roster moves and preseason usage to cover Higgins’ absence.