Stefon Diggs' Absence Looms Over Texans in Wild-Card Matchup Against Chargers
As the Houston Texans prepare for their wild-card showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers, they will be doing so without one of their top receiving threats—Stefon Diggs. The 31-year-old wide receiver, who was acquired by the Texans from the Buffalo Bills in a trade before the season, has been sidelined since a torn ACL suffered in Week 8. The injury, which occurred during a non-contact play late in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts, forced Diggs to exit the game. He made his break to the inside but fell to the ground immediately. Though he was able to walk off the field under his own power, the diagnosis was grim. Just two days later, the Texans confirmed that Diggs had torn his ACL, effectively ending his season early.
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The loss of Diggs is a significant blow to a Texans offense already missing another key receiver. Tank Dell, in his second season, was also set to be a primary weapon in the receiving corps but suffered a season-ending dislocated kneecap in Week 16. With both players unavailable, Houston will have to rely heavily on the remaining options in their receiving group. Nico Collins, who had missed five games earlier this season due to a hamstring injury, is healthy and ready to play on Saturday. He will likely be joined by John Metchie III and Robert Woods, with these three tasked with stepping up to fill the gap left by the absence of Diggs and Dell.
Looking ahead to next season, Diggs' contract situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Houston had moved quickly to adjust his contract as part of the trade from Buffalo, voiding the final three years of his extension with the Bills. This restructuring allowed Diggs to receive a slight pay raise and set him up for a potential free agency move after the 2024 season. His contract details show a one-year, $22.5 million deal with a $22.0 million guaranteed sum for 2024. Diggs will be eligible to hit the open market when the 2025 league year begins in March, so the Texans may have to make a decision about his future beyond this season.
Before his injury, Diggs had shown his potential in a Texans uniform. In his seven full games, he caught 47 passes for 496 yards, averaging 10.6 yards per reception and scoring four touchdowns—three through the air and one on the ground. Although his time with Houston was cut short, his impact was undeniable, and his absence will be felt as the Texans look to make a playoff run without him.
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