Although the Houston Texans have lost one of their biggest stars to a season-ending injury, they should remain a Super Bowl contender.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted wide receiver Stefon Diggs suffered a season-ending knee injury in a 23-20 Week 8 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Diggs is a key piece of Houston’s aerial attack. Through his first eight games, the four-time Pro Bowler ranked seventh in the league in receptions (47), 18th in receiving yards (496) and was tied for 18th in TD catches (three).
While it’s a tough blow for Diggs and the Texans, the team could still overcome the injury.
WR Nico Collins — who leads Houston in receiving yards (567 in five games) — is on track to return from a hamstring injury in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV in Houston.
Texans second-year WR Tank Dell only has two TD catches through his first seven games, but quarterback C.J. Stroud signaled they’re rebuilding their connection.
“Yeah, I think he had a great mindset coming into the week, just getting better, owning his opportunities,” Stroud said of Dell in a Monday news conference. “It was good just to get our mojo back going. I’m just super proud of him for what he’s been able to do, and he’s going to have to step up really big for us.”
If the Texans passing game falters without Diggs, they can still rely on running back Joe Mixon and their fierce pass rush.
Since returning from an ankle injury in Week 2, Mixon has rushed for 100-plus yards in three straight games. Houston has the league’s third-most sacks (27) behind the Denver Broncos and New York Giants.
Losing a player of Diggs’ caliber may make it more challenging for the Texans (6-2) to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs (7-0), Buffalo Bills (6-2) and Baltimore Ravens (5-3) in the AFC playoff race.
Still, Houston is considered one of the best teams in the conference. As of Tuesday, ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Texans the fourth-best chance (21.5 percent) to make the AFC title game.