The Houston Texans suffered a major blow on Sunday, losing hometown hero and star wide receiver Stefon Diggs for the season due to a torn ACL. Diggs, who joined the Texans with high hopes of taking this young offense to new heights, went down on a non-contact play during their hard-fought win over the Indianapolis Colts. The victory, however, was bittersweet as Houston now faces the challenge of replacing Diggs’ veteran presence and playmaking ability on the field.
In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Diggs expressed gratitude to fans and teammates for their support, saying, “Thank you to everyone who’s been in my corner.” His absence will be felt not just in the stats column but in the locker room, where his leadership was pivotal for this developing squad.
Diggs’ injury adds to an already strained receiving corps. Nico Collins, another key target for quarterback CJ Stroud, remains on injured reserve with a lingering hamstring injury, missing his fourth game Thursday. Stroud has kept the offense afloat, guiding the Texans through wins over the Bills and Colts, and nearly pulling off an upset against the Packers. But the loss of Diggs and uncertainty around Collins’ return could force Houston to explore the trade market, especially with the team in prime position to secure a playoff spot.
Houston’s championship window, though young, looks surprisingly promising. The AFC South is within reach, the Chiefs appear vulnerable, and the Texans have already proven they can compete with powerhouses like Buffalo. Now, they might need to capitalize on this momentum. While top receivers like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, Diontae Johnson, and DeAndre Hopkins have already been traded, potential options remain, including Adam Thielen and Kendrick Bourne. None match the caliber of a healthy Diggs or Collins, but they could provide much-needed depth.
Collins, who was leading the league in receiving yards with three touchdowns before his injury, will face a tougher climb back. Without Diggs to draw defenders, he’s likely to see more double teams, potentially slowing his production once he returns.
As for Diggs, he’s made it clear that playing for the Texans is a dream come true. While Year 1 with his hometown team ends on a disappointing note, expect a motivated return in 2025, where he’ll be seeking redemption and ready to put the league on notice once more.
