The Texans are set to face the Browns in the wild-card round, and there are already some big troubles waiting for them. The team is uncertain about DT Maliek Collins‘ availability following his hip injury. While Collins played their last regular season game with it, would the Texans take the risk of playing and possibly losing the DT if they reach the divisional round?

CJ Stroud has handled the Texans offense like a few other rookie QBs did in NFL history, and his comeback from the concussion has propelled the team into playoffs after 3 seasons. But, without Maliek’s important presence in the defense line, what could Stroud do to counter the Browns’ rock-solid defense line?

Maliek Collins suffering from hip injury

The team released the injury report on Thursday for the Browns’ playoff game. But it’s not looking good for DeMeco Ryans‘ side. The Texans have already ruled out one big name for the match-up, and a few more remain questionable as of now. If Collins needs to stay at the bench too, it would further diminish their playoff chances.

Texans have already ruled out DE Jerry Hughes for the game, and seven more names face uncertainty after a limited practice. They are DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), FB Andrew Beck (calf), WR Noah Brown (back), DE Jonathan Greenard (ankle), DT Sheldon Rankins (shoulder), and WR Robert Woods (hip) apart from Collins.

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Collins’ absence will arguably be the biggest miss for the defense among the names. Is there anything the team could do to cover up for him?

How could the Texans line up without Collins?

First and foremost, KPRC 2 host Aaron Wilson expects Collins to play, along with the fellow names. If that, however, isn’t the case, then Anderson, Greenard, and Rankings may line up differently than they normally do. Additionally, backup DT Kurt Hinish might need to take a more central role to cover up the inside of the defense line and build a commendable defense line against Joe Flacco‘s offense.

On the offensive part, the Texans can trust CJ Stroud. Apart from a 64% completion rate and 8.2 passing yards, he has a 100.8 passer rating. Myles Garrett and his companions might be prepared, but expect the rookie record-breaker to sneak in a couple of killer throws over the Browns’ defense line with his exceptional arm power and accuracy.

On paper, the Texans’ offense may have a slight upper edge compared to the Browns. But Collins’ miss might cancel it out, making it an equal game if he doesn’t make it. Hopefully, that won’t be the case for DeMeco Ryans.

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