Texans lose rookie wideout Jayden Higgins to ACL tear, out for 2026 season

In a combined training session with the Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans receiver Jayden Higgins sustained a torn ACL after an awkward landing in the end zone, forcing him to limp off the field under his own power. Medical tests confirmed the ligament tear, guaranteeing he will miss the whole 2026 season. Higgins, selected 34th overall in the 2025 draft out of Iowa State, contributed 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his rookie year, serving as a valuable complement to star receiver Nico Collins.

The injury leaves quarterback C.J. Stroud with fewer reliable targets as the team turns to Xavier Hutchinson, while Tank Dell and Jaylin Noel continue their recoveries from prior knee and finger/hamstring issues. Houston opens its season against the Buffalo Bills on September 13.