MANCHESTER, N.H. —
As the New England Patriots prepare for their divisional playoff game against Houston, the Texans announced Friday they won’t have one of their biggest threats on offense.
The Houston Texans said wide receiver Nico Collins has been ruled out of playing Sunday’s game because of a concussion.
Collins is considered to be Houston’s biggest threat on offense. Texan wide receiver Justin Watson has also been ruled out because of a concussion.
For the Patriots, cornerback Christian Gonzalez practiced for the second straight day and was cleared for contact. He didn’t hold any interviews, but it’s unclear whether he will play.
>> PATRIOTS ON WMUR: Patriots to host Texans for next playoff game Sunday at 3 p.m. on WMUR-TV <<
In the regular season, the Patriots had the statistical edge in every offensive category, but the Texans had the edge in every defensive category.
Still, the Patriots defense isn’t one to overlook. While the Texans allowed the second fewest points per game, the Patriots ranked fourth.
Patriots safety Craig Woodson said the game will be a battle of identity, as each team tries to play to their strengths. The Patriots will match up their high-flying offense under quarterback Drake Maye with the stellar defense of the Texans.
The Patriots also made a roster move earlier this week that could prove to be a secret weapon against the Texans when they signed defensive end Darrell Taylor to the practice squad.
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Taylor was cut by the Texans last week, so he played for them this year and has direct knowledge of what Houston likes to do. That could help the Patriots from a gameplan standpoint.
The Patriots could also elevate him to play Sunday. He’s a good pass rusher, an area where the Patriots could use some help.