The Texans are cruising with a 6-2 start. What could go wrong, right? Well, here’s the twist: Houston, you’ve got a problem! WR Stefon Diggs was out with an injury after the Colts game. Yup, that was known. But wait,—there’s more to it.

This one’s a big loss. Per NFL insider Adam Schefter, Diggs suffered a season-ending knee injury on Sunday against the Colts. The torn ACL doesn’t just sideline him; it’s hitting hard because he’s on an expiring contract, set to hit free agency this offseason. That “prove-it” one-year, $22.52 million deal was supposed to set him up for a payday. But now everything’s up in the air.

The injury happened in the third quarter against the Colts when Diggs ran a route and suddenly went down. It was a non-contact injury after he planted his knee for an inside cut—a play that looked routine until it wasn’t. The Texans pulled him from the game, which they narrowly won 23-20, but they later confirmed the bad news.

Coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the injury on Monday, saying the team is “still evaluating.” He added, “We’ll see where he is.” But by Tuesday, it’s clear Diggs won’t be back this season. What’s worse? This is the same knee he injured in 2021 and 2016, each time costing him significant time on the field.

Diggs may have walked off the field under his own power, but this latest injury could have lasting implications. Not only is Houston losing a star playmaker in their push for the playoffs, but Diggs now faces a tough road ahead as he eyes free agency and a potentially delayed start to 2025.

If not Stefon Diggs, then who?

With Stefon Diggs officially out for the season (and potentially out of the roster), the Texans have some serious reshuffling to do. You might be wondering who’s stepping up now. Well, until Nico Collins is eligible to return on November 10, it looks like Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, and Robert Woods are Houston’s new three-wide set. But can they fill the void Diggs leaves behind?

Before his season-ending injury, Diggs had logged 42 catches for 415 yards and three touchdowns through just seven games. Against the Colts, he hauled in five catches for 81 yards—impressive stats that won’t be easy to replace. Now, as Dell and company take over, they’ve got a big ask ahead of them: keep CJ Stroud’s passing game afloat, and voila, you have it sorted. If not? Then, trouble’s brewing.

Dell is likely the one to watch as the WR1 for now. What is more intriguing is his friendship with Stroud off the field. So, expect the two to cook together if they click on the gridiron. As for Dell’s number-play, he was a second-round pick in 2023 and has 71 catches, 938 yards, and nine TDs across 18 career games. On top of this, he brings the deep-threat ability Stroud needs to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities downfield. Super, for sure.

But let’s not forget about John Metchie III amidst all the mentions, who’s just starting to build chemistry with Stroud. He snagged three passes for 29 yards against the Colts, and as his role expands, he could become a key contributor. But all these names and numbers are on paper right now. The real test will be on the field, if and when they get the opportunity.

The challenge? Maintain the start Diggs provided. Oh boy, that’s some task.