(This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)
The Houston Texans are preparing to be without Stefon Diggs this Thursday night against the New York Jets. With a short week, that was expected.
Entering Tuesday’s walkthrough, Diggs’ status for the rest of the regular season remains a mystery.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans offered little when asked about Diggs’ status, stating that the team is “still evaluating to see where he is.”
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: The #Texans are still evaluating the knee injury suffered by WR Stefon Diggs. pic.twitter.com/iI4MDkSpTC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2024
The four-time Pro Bowl receiver suffered a non-contact knee injury late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 23-21 win over the Indianapolis Colts and did not return. While he was able to leave the field on his own power, he was on the turf for several minutes while being checked out by the Texans’ medical staff.
While Houston did not practice Monday, it released an injury report stating that Diggs wouldn’t have practiced. Tuesday is more of a walkthrough than actual practice, but the Texans won’t have to rule out anyone until Wednesday’s injury report.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Diggs was expected to get an MRI done Monday to figure out the severity of the injury. While some believe it could be an ACL injury, another could be an MCL sprain or a slight tear in the LCL.
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
Several medical staff members on X, formerly known as Twitter, suspect it to be an ACL injury, but the MRI should give the best indication.
With Nico Collins sidelined because of a hamstring injury, Diggs has stepped up as the new No. 1 threat. In eight games, the All-Pro target leads the Texans with 47 receptions, ranks second in receiving yards with 492 and is tied for first in receiving touchdowns with three.
Prior to leaving, Diggs was on pace to record his first 100-yard outing of the season. He finished with five catches for 81 yards, including a season-long 49-yard reception in the third quarter.
“Prayers go out to Stef. God doesn’t make any mistakes. I hope he’s OK,” Texans Pro Bowl 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.”
While the Texans love Collins and Diggs, it’s not like they don’t have quality options that can step up. Dalton Schultz remains a stable option at tight end and finished with 52 yards off four catches.
Second-year receiver Tank Dell hasn’t found his stride yet, but he did catch a 7-yard touchdown pass just before halftime.
Texans Radio also asked GM Nick Caserio what he thought of the Texans young skill players stepping up yesterday after Stefon Diggs went down with the knee injury:
“Number of skill players had a contribution there.. Hutch [Xavier Hutchinson] has kind of done this his whole career… pic.twitter.com/ZksnIWwwxN
— Tyler Milner (@tmilrealdeal) October 29, 2024
John Metchie III stepped up in place of Diggs and had three catches for 29 yards, including a critical 28-yard catch in the third quarter.
Xavier Hutchinson and Robert Woods are also talented enough to take over games as a No. 3 option. Both caught passes over 12 yards in Sunday’s win and picked up first downs.
“They’ve got to step up big for us in the next couple of days here,” Stroud said.
The New York Jets could create problems in the passing game for Stroud. Despite being 2-6, New York ranks in second passing yards per game at 161.1.
Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
