Texans second-year wide receiver Jayden Higgins out for season with torn ACL
The Houston Texans' receiving depth is significantly reduced after Jayden Higgins suffered a season-ending knee injury during a joint practice session with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to sources cited by NFL Network. The injury occurred on Tuesday during a joint practice session with the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a significant setback for the Texans' offensive planning as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
Higgins, a 2025 second-round pick, sustained the injury while running a route in the end zone during red zone 11-on-11 drills. Witnesses reported that the second-year player fell awkwardly and was initially unable to rise, though he eventually limped off the field under his own power. Head coach DeMeco Ryans stated following the practice that the coaching staff was evaluating the severity of the injury at the time.
The loss of Higgins, who started 10 games in his rookie campaign with 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns, forces the Texans to rely more heavily on their remaining wideout options. The team is expected to shift focus to Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell, and Jaylin Noel to fill the void left by Higgins' absence.
Hutchinson, a 2023 sixth-round pick, posted career highs last season with 35 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns. However, the availability of the other two key receivers remains uncertain due to ongoing recovery processes. Tank Dell is returning from a serious knee injury sustained in December 2024 that kept him out for the entire 2025 season, while Jaylin Noel has dealt with a broken finger and hamstring tightness throughout training camp.
Both Dell and Noel have limited their practice participation as they work their way back from these respective injuries. The Texans' coaching staff will need to assess the readiness of these players to ensure the receiving corps is adequately prepared for the season opener.
The incident highlights the physical risks associated with joint practices, which are designed to simulate game-like conditions but often result in high-impact collisions. As the NFL continues to monitor player safety protocols, the Texans face the immediate challenge of restructuring their offensive strategy without their second-year starter.
