Texans All-Pro WR predicted to leave Houston for NFC franchise

Stefon Diggs could be headed back to New York this offseason rather than sign a one-year deal with the Houston Texans.

Has Stefon Diggs played his last down as a member of the Houston Texans?

The two-time All-Pro receiver suffered a season-ending torn ACL on a non-contact play in Week 8’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. He was on pace for a career year in receptions and would have likely garnered significant interest on the free agent market.

Acquired from the Buffalo Bills in April in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, the Texans voided the final three years of Diggs’ previous contract, thus making him a free agent in 2025. Houston could bring him back on a team-friendly two-year deal and let him rest building up to the 2025 campaign.

Other teams could be willing to pay more even with the injury playing a factor. Despite his injury, the 31-year-old remains a reliable weapon and consistent chain-mover as a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 threat.

If Diggs were to test free agency, he’d had options. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report predicted one of those options to be Tampa Bay as the new No. 2 target for Baker Mayfield over Chris Godwin.

The other options? A return to the Empire State on a new deal with the New York Giants.

A short-term “prove-it” deal could make the Maryland product one of the best bargains of the offseason, though, as he had shown no signs of decline before the injury.

Diggs could be a sneaky target for the Buccaneers, should they lose Chris Godwin in free agency. They are projected to have $31.1 million in cap space, and Diggs might accept an incentive-laden contract that fits with their financial plan.

The New York Giants would also make a ton of sense for Diggs. New York may pivot to a new quarterback in 2025, and Diggs could serve as a high-end No. 2 receiver opposite Malik Nabers—Darius Slayton is set to be a free agent.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll spent two seasons coaching Diggs as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator.

In eight games, Diggs caught a team-leading 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a wild card due to injury, but he’s also proven to be a high-upside target in the right offense, having been a year removed from a near 1,2000-yard campaign in Buffalo.

The Texans (6-4) take on the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) this Monday night on ESPN. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Report: Texans exploring WR trade market after Stefon Diggs injury

The Houston Texans might be targeting a veteran receiver to replace Stefon Diggs before next week’s trade deadline.

Could the Houston Texans add another receiver before the NFL trade deadline now that Stefon Diggs is out for the year?

According to one report, it’s not off the table.

In a recent article from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a few names to watch as Texans trade targets include New York Giants’ Darius Slayton, New England Patriots Kendrick Bourne and Las Vegas Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers.

Meyers, who was in New England while general manager Nick Caserio worked for the player personnel, might be a longshot to acquire since the Raiders already parted ways with Davante Adams earlier this month.

Diggs, who suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts, was expected to be the quality No. 2 option opposite Nico Collins for C.J. Stroud and the passing game. In eight outings, the two-time All-Pro ranked seventh in the NFL in catches (47) this season and was second on the Texans in receiving yards (496).

“He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”

Adding one of the targets might be affordable, especially given their current contract situations. Slayton, who’s in the final year of his current contract, is coming off an impressive 108-yard performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night and has been a serviceable No. 2 option behind rookie Malik Nabers.

The veteran could be a welcomed vertical option in the passing game opposite Collins and second-year receiver Tank Dell. Through eight games, Slayton is averaging 52.5 receiving yards per game.

Houston might also be willing to remain idle if John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson or Robert Woods can produce during Thursday’s game against the New York Jets. With a win, the Texans would take sole control of second place in the AFC and remain a game behind the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud comments on loss of WR Stefon Diggs

The Houston Texans will be without one of their top players in Stefon Diggs for the remainder of the 2024 season.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said he didn’t have the words to describe the loss of Stefon Diggs.

It’s a next-man-up mentality inside the Texans’ locker room, but the second-year passer knows the season will be different without the four-time Pro Bowler by his side.

“You can’t really — you try to think positively about it, but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts,” Stroud said. “I just feel bad for him. I’m praying for him.”

Diggs suffered a torn ACL on a non-contact injury during Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts and will miss the remainder of the regular season. He’s expected to make a full recovery and play in 2025.
While attempting to run a route against Kenny Moore, Diggs grabbed his leg and immediately dropped to the ground. While he was able to walk off on his own pressure, he headed to the locker room and did not return to the field.

“He was having one of the best times he’s ever had on a team, at least that’s what he told us,” Stroud said. “I just feel for him and praying for him and just hoping that he keeps his head up high and he’ll bounce back even stronger.”
Acquired from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a second-round pick, Diggs was expected to be the constant No. 2 option for Stroud’s passing attack in a breakout year.
With the Texans voiding the final years of his contract, Diggs will become a free agent next offseason, meaning he could play elsewhere in 2025.
“He’s one guy who gave his all to everything we ever asked him to do,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s hurting and we’re hurting for him as well.”
A consistent playmaker during his time with the Bills and Minnesota Vikings, Diggs served as the Texans’ top option once Nico Collins was placed on the injured reserve. Before the injury, he ranked seventh in the NFL in catches (47) and was second on the Texans in receiving yards (496).

He was on pace for a season-high performance Sunday after hauling in a 49-yard catch in the third quarter. Diggs left with a team-leading five receptions for 81 yards.

“His impact is huge,” Stroud said. “Stef has been somebody who you know you can lean on as a friend, as a teammate, as a brother, somebody who gives you life advice and somebody who just is an OG, just a vet, has played a lot of ball and lived a lot of life.”

Right now, the Texans don’t seem interested in adding a receiver before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5. Their options are also limited after the Ravens traded for Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson Tuesday afternoon.

Davante Adams (Jets), Amari Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) were all other options that were traded to AFC contenders earlier this month. Jacksonville’s Christian Krik was expected to be moved before he suffered a season-ending broken collarbone on Sunday.

Houston has weapons outside Diggs and Collins, but the production hasn’t matched the hype entering Week 9. Tank Dell, who broke out with 709 receiving yards in 11 games as a rookie, is third on the Texans in receiving yards (229) and touchdowns (2).

He also caught a 7-yard touchdown pass in Sunday’s win over the Colts during the second quarter.

“Tank has been an explosive player in college he was explosive, he has been explosive for us,” Ryans said. “Tank just has to be Tank.”

 

The Texans envision Dell as a franchise cornerstone, so he’ll need to step up as the new No. 1 until Collins can return.
Dell’s not alone, however, since Robert Woods, John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson are all expected to produce starting Thursday night against the New York Jets.
“Everybody has got to step up,” Dell said. “Even if you are one of the star players, you still have to step up and do more and produce more. I know all of us are more than capable of doing that. So, we are going to try to go out there and make plays.”

Texans officially place WR Stefon Diggs on season-ending injured reserve

Stefon Diggs’ season with the Houston Texans has come to an end after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8.

Stefon Diggs’ season is officially over.

The Houston Texans placed the four-time Pro Bowler on the reserve/injured reserve Tuesday after suffering a torn ACL during Sunday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts.

Diggs, who will be a free agent at the end of the regular season, is expected to make a full recovery and play in 2025.

“He’s been such an important part to our team and everything that he brought, not only on the field, but off the field. The energy, the leader, the way he worked every single day,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday. “Have to pick up the slack. A lot of guys have to step up and pick up the slack. Definitely praying for him.”

Acquired this offseason from the Buffalo Bills, Diggs suffered the injury on a non-contact play in 1:51 remaining in the third quarter. He tried to cut inside against Colts defensive back Kenny Moore II on a route and grabbed his right knee, then sat on the turf.

While Diggs walked off on his own power, he headed to the locker room and didn’t return.

“It’s not easy,” Stroud said. “You try to think positively but it’s not a bunch of positive thoughts. And I just really feel bad for him.”

Expected to be the No. 2 option, Diggs had taken over as Stroud’s favorite target with Nico Collins sidelined. He ranked seventh overall in receptions (47) and was second on the team in receiving yards (496).

“He’s one guy who gave his all to everything we ever asked him to do,” Ryans said. “He’s hurting and we’re hurting for him as well.”

The Texans take on the New York Jets Thursday Night at MetLife Stadium at 7:15 p.m. CT.

Report: Texans WR Stefon Diggs to undergo MRI on knee

Stefon Diggs will receive an MRI on his knee Monday to find out more about the severity of his injury.

The Houston Texans still don’t have a direct answer on Stefon Diggs‘ status for the remainder of the season entering Monday’s press conference.

They will have an answer before the team departs for New York to take on the Jets this Thursday.

According to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander, Diggs is expected to have an MRI done on the knee on Monday, which is expected to reveal the extent of the injury. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver left Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter after suffering a non-contact injury.

Diggs, who was traded this offseason to Houston by the Buffalo Bills, was trying to break past Colts defender Kenny Moore when he immediately grabbed his right knee. Trainers checked on him for several minutes before he stood up and headed straight for the locker room.

Before leaving the field, Diggs gave a thumbs up to the crowd, letting them know he was fine. The MRI should show if Diggs suffered a torn ACL or MCL or perhaps a simple strain.

“Unfortunate to see Stef go down there,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s still being evaluated for a knee. We’ll find out further information as the week goes on.”

Losing Diggs could be detrimental to the Texans’ already depleted receiver room. Nico Collins is already on the injured reserve and not expected back until at least Nov. 10.

Tank Dell, who caught a touchdown pass during the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 victory, hasn’t been able to duplicate his rookie success through eight games.

Diggs, who finished Sunday’s game with a team-leading five catches for 81 yards, has been the go-to weapon for C.J. Stroud over the past three games. He ranks fifth nationally in catches with 47 and is second among Texans’ players in receiving yards with 496.

“Prayers go out to Stef. God doesn’t make any mistakes. I hope he’s OK,” Stroud said. “I don’t know what’s going on yet. I’m praying and hoping he starts to feel better … Not easy seeing him go down.”

The Texans kick off against the Jets this Thursday Night on Amazon Prime at 7:15 p.m.

Texans provide update on WR Stefon Diggs

The Texans have a small update on Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs is being evaluated for a knee injury suffered during a non-contact play in the third quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

“Unfortunate to see Stef go down there,” Ryans said. “He’s still being evaluated for a knee. We’ll find out further information as the week goes on.”

Diggs, who had taken over as the No. 1 option after Nico Collins was placed on the injured reserve, tried to break open on a route when he pulled up and grabbed at his right knee before falling to the ground.

Trainers checked on him for several minutes before he was able to walk off the field on his own power. He immediately entered the locker room and was ruled out minutes later.

“Prayers go out to Stef. God doesn’t make any mistakes. I hope he’s OK,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “I don’t know what’s going on yet. I’m praying and hoping he starts to feel better … Not easy seeing him go down.”

Diggs, who ranks fifth nationally in receptions (47),  is second on the Texans in yards with 496. He was on his way to his first 100-yard outing after hauling in a 49-yard catch in the third quarter.

He finished the afternoon with a team-leading five catches for 81 yards.

“That’s my brother,” Texans receiver Tank Dell said. “I just pray that whatever happens it’s something minor and he can get back out there with us Thursday.”

Houston is already struggling at receiver with Collins on the injured reserve. If Diggs were to miss time, the Texans would be without their top two targets at least through next week’s matchup on “Thursday Night Football” against the New York Jets.

Collins, who previously led the NFL in receiving yards, is progressing well and should be back for Sunday Night Football’s matchup against the Detroit Lions. He was placed on the injured reserve following Week 5’s win over the Bills and would be cleared on Monday, Nov. 4.

If Diggs is sidelined for a significant amount of time, Dell will become the go-to option in the passing attack until Collins returns.

The second-year receiver has struggled to produce like he did in his rookie year, but he did haul in a 7-yard touchdown catch during the second quarter and finished with 32 yards.

Houston will also turn to Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III and Robert Woods in larger roles than perhaps envisioned.

Metchie caught three passes for 29 yards. Woods finished with two catches for 18 yards and Hutchinson finished with one catch for 19 yards.

The Texans could also trade for a potential receiver before the deadline on Nov. 5.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium next week is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT next Thursday.

Instant Analysis: Texans avoid Anthony Richardson comeback, sweep Colts in 2024

The Houston Texans move to 6-2 on the regular season after securing a 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.

Rivalry games are a must-watch.

Even down to the last second.

One final hurrah to pull off the upset, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richarson was strip-sacked by Danielle Hunter to help the Houston Texans secure a 23-20 victory at NRG Stadium.

The Texans (6-2) now improve to 3-0 in the division with the sweep over the Colts. Houston can also end the month of October at 4-1 if it beats the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

C.J. Stroud wasn’t at his best, but he managed to make up for his underwhelming outing in Week 7. After throwing for 86 yards against the Green Bay Packers, Stroud completed 25-of-37 pass attempts for 285 yards and a touchdown.

Joe Mixon remained the constant on the ground, totaling his fourth 100-yard rushing performance (102) in five games off 25 carries. He also tied the game at 10-10 with a 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Richardson, who finished 10-of-32 passing, found a spark to close out the first quarter with a 69-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs. After that, he only finished one other drive with 70 yards.

Following the two-minute warning, Richardson missed a pass intended for Downs and was intercepted by Jalen Pitre. That set up a Tank Dell 7-yard touchdown reception to extend Houston’s lead by seven.

Houston never lost the lead, but it never pulled away. Richardson connected on a 25-yard pass to Downs to set up a 1-yard touchdown run from Jonathan Taylor.

On second-and-goal, Mixon fumbled at the 18-yard line. The ball was recovered by Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo for a 78-yard touchdown return, but upon further review, Odeyingbo was ruled down by contact. Indianapolis punted three plays later.

Richardson found Trey Sermon for a pickup of 14 yards before rushing to the line to spike the ball with one-second remaining. The Texans’ pass rush missed on the first attempt but rebounded when Danielle Hunter closed the running lane and stripped the ball loose, which was later recovered by Will Anderson Jr.

Taylor, who’s been known for his ability to win on the ground against Houston, was held to 105 yards. Hunter finished with a team-leading two sacks.

Stefon Diggs finished with a team-leading five catches for 81 yards. Diggs left late in the third quarter with a non-contact knee injury and did not return.

Kickoff from MetLife Stadium on Thursday is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Stefon Diggs injury vs Colts: Latest news on Texans WR

The Houston Texans will be without Stefon Diggs for the remainder of Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans will be without Stefon Diggs for the rest of Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

They could be without him for longer depending on the severity of the injury.

Diggs left during the third quarter after suffering a knee injury on a non-contact play and immediately received medical attention from the training staff. He was helped off the field and headed to the locker room for further evaluation.

Stefon Diggs injury update

Diggs, who’s taken over the Texans’ top target with Nico Collins sidelined, tried to break free on a route while in coverage against Colts second-year cornerback Kenny Moore in the slot. Trainers checked on him for several minutes before helping him off the field.

The Texans officially ruled it a knee injury and listed him as out for the remainder of the game. This was the same knee he injured in 2021 and 2016 and missed multiple games.

How long will Stefon Diggs be out?

Any non-contact injury could be crushing. Diggs will undergo further testing to see if it’s a torn ACL or potential sprain. With the Texans on a short week, it’s likely that Diggs won’t play on Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets.

Everything else for the remainder of the season remains a mystery.

Stefon Diggs stats

Diggs, who the Texans traded for this offseason following a four-year stay with the Buffalo Bills, had become C.J. Stroud’s go-to target with Collins sidelined because of a hamstring injury. Through seven games, he had 42 catches for 415 yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Diggs also has two rushes for 12 yards and a touchdown as well. Before leaving Sunday’s contest, Diggs led the Texans with five catches for 81 yards.

Texans wide receiver depth chart

With Collins already out, the Texans are down to three receivers who have played decent reps. Tank Dell, who caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter, will take over as the new No. 1 option.

Houston also has Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III, plus tight ends Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover.