The Houston Texans are preparing for their preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 20, facing significant challenges after losing wide receiver Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL, which will keep him out for the entire season. This loss is particularly impactful for the offensive unit led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has experienced a decline in performance following a promising rookie year.
Despite these setbacks, Stroud is expected to participate in the game, playing a few series, possibly up to 25 plays. The Texans plan to have their starting offensive line on the field, while the first-team defense will not be participating.
With Higgins sidelined, Stroud will rely on wide receiver Nico Collins, who had a successful previous season with 71 catches, 1,117 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. Other wide receivers, including Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jaylin Noel, will be called upon to fill the gap left by Higgins. Dell previously developed a strong connection with Stroud but did not play last season due to injury.
Noel, who was drafted after Higgins, was college teammates with him at Iowa State.
As the Texans work to refine their offensive strategy, the absence of key players is prompting adjustments to their game plan ahead of the upcoming season.
