After a statement 30-6 dismantling of the Steelers in the Wild Card round, the Houston Texans are officially "on to New England." But while the vibes in H-Town are at a high, today’s final injury report for the Divisional Round is a sobering reminder of the physical toll a deep playoff run exacts.

The headline for Sunday’s match-up at Gillette Stadium is as clear as it is concerning: C.J. Stroud will likely be without his WR1.

The biggest blow to DeMeco Ryans’ squad is the status of Nico Collins. Despite the long week of preparation, Collins remained sidelined in concussion protocol for the third straight day.

Losing a 1,100-yard receiver ahead of a date with a Mike Vrabel-led defense is a nightmare scenario. Collins isn't just a target but rather he is Stroud's "get out of jail free" card aka the guy who wins the 50/50 balls when the pocket collapses. Without him, the pressure shifts squarely onto the shoulders of veteran Christian Kirk. Kirk was spectacular last week, but the Patriots' secondary, likely featuring a returning Christian Gonzalez, will be a much different beast than the one Houston just carved up in Pittsburgh.

There is a glimmer of hope on the offensive line. Trent Brown, who sat out Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle issue, returned to practice today. His presence at right tackle is non-negotiable. If Houston wants to give Stroud enough time to find his "Plan B" receivers like Jayden Higgins or Xavier Hutchinson, Brown has to be the anchor.

However, the "Limited" tags on Tytus Howard (ankle) and Ed Ingram (shoulder) suggest the interior of the line is held together by tape and grit. In the playoffs, games are won in the trenches, and a hobbled line against New England’s front seven is a recipe for a long, cold afternoon in Foxborough.

On the defensive side, the return of Denico Autry to practice is a massive win. To beat the Patriots, you have to rattle Drake Maye, and Autry is the engine of that pass rush. But seeing Azeez Al-Shaair and Kamari Lassiter still limited with knee and ankle issues is enough to make any Texans fan nervous.

Injuries are the great equalizer in January and the Texans are no exception to this, but New England is entering this game remarkably healthy by comparison.

This Sunday won’t be about who has the most talent. It will be about who has the most depth. If Stroud can navigate a game without his favorite weapon and a patchwork offensive line, we aren't just looking at a divisional contender but honestly looking at a Super Bowl favorite. But for today, that Friday report feels like a heavy weight on the city of Houston going into Sunday.