(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.
Stefon Diggs down and hurt, but able to walk off on his on power pic.twitter.com/bEaIyeSrMp
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) October 27, 2024
“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.
Stefon Diggs –
Hard to truly tell from this angle, but it looks like his Right knee buckles inward as he steps right near the 40.
Primary concern for ACL injury.
Hopefully he got lucky and it’s just meniscus, but by initial video is doesn’t look good. pic.twitter.com/y56c7QCKT5— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 27, 2024
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.
