Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs sustained a knee injury during a non-contact play in the team’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The incident occurred in the third quarter when quarterback C.J. Stroud passed to running back Joe Mixon. During the play, Diggs, who was running a route, abruptly cut inside, grabbed his knee, and went down to the turf. He eventually walked off the field on his own but was taken to the locker room for further evaluation and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Diggs led the Texans with five catches for 81 yards at the time of his injury, showcasing his strong contribution to the team’s offensive efforts. Head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed concern for Diggs and mentioned that further evaluations would be needed to determine the severity of the knee injury. With the Texans already managing injuries in their receiving lineup, Diggs’ potential absence could have a notable impact on the team’s passing game.
The Texans’ receiving corps has already been hit hard, with Nico Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards in the first six weeks, placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury sustained in Week 5. Diggs’ injury compounds the challenge for Houston, as he ranks fifth in catches league-wide and is a crucial part of the Texans’ offense. C.J. Stroud expressed empathy for Diggs, saying that he was hopeful for a quick recovery for his teammate.
In Diggs’ and Collins’ absence, wide receiver Tank Dell will need to step up to fill the gap. Dell, who was on track for a standout rookie season last year before breaking his leg, has seen a decline in his stats this season, with an average of just 32 receiving yards per game compared to last season’s 70-yard average. However, he contributed significantly in the win against the Colts, scoring his second touchdown of the season and ending the game with 35 receiving yards.
Looking ahead, the Texans face a short week as they prepare to play the New York Jets on “Thursday Night Football.” With limited time between games, the Texans are hoping for positive news on Diggs’ injury evaluation, while preparing Dell and other available receivers to shoulder the responsibility if Diggs is unable to play. The upcoming game will be a critical test of Houston’s depth and resilience in its receiving lineup amidst these injuries.
