FOXBOROUGH, Mass. Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz exited the team’s AFC Divisional Round playoff matchup against the New England Patriots Sunday after suffering a calf injury in the first quarter.
Schultz was escorted to the locker room and is officially listed as questionable to return, raising concerns about the Texans’ already depleted offensive unit.
With wide receiver Nico Collins sidelined under concussion protocol and offensive tackle Trent Brown unavailable due to injury, Schultz’s departure further limits Houston’s passing options in a critical postseason contest.
KEY POINT
- Dalton Schultz left the Divisional Round playoff game early with a calf injury and is questionable to return.
- Houston’s offense is missing key contributors, including Nico Collins and Trent Brown.
- Loss of Schultz could significantly impact quarterback C.J. Stroud’s passing options and game plan.
The Texans’ playoff hopes faced a sudden challenge when Dalton Schultz limped off the field after an early reception during Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium. As one of Houston’s primary pass-catching tight ends, Schultz’s injury immediately altered the team’s offensive strategy.
Schultz, who has been a consistent target for quarterback C.J. Stroud since joining Houston, recorded 82 catches for 777 yards and three touchdowns during the 2025 regular season.
His role as both a short-yardage safety valve and a red-zone threat has been pivotal to the Texans’ offensive schemes.
This injury comes on the heels of other absences: Collins, the team’s leading receiver, missed the game under concussion protocol, while Brown, an anchor on the offensive line, was already inactive.
The combined effect leaves Houston relying on backups and untested personnel in a high-stakes playoff environment.
Sports analysts emphasize the strategic implications of losing Schultz. “He’s not just a receiving option; he helps maintain the flow of the offense and keeps defenses honest,” said NFL analyst Jane Matthews.
“Without him, the Texans may be forced into longer-developing plays or heavier reliance on the wide receivers, which the Patriots’ defense can anticipate.”
Coach and former NFL tight end Mike Gundy added, “When you lose a player like Schultz, it’s more than stats; it’s timing, chemistry, and the ability to read the defense on the fly. It’s a challenge for any quarterback, especially in playoff conditions.”
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Dalton Schultz (TE, Houston Texans) |
| Injury Type | Calf (Non-contact strain) |
| Game Status | Questionable to return (Left in 1st Quarter) |
| 2025 Stats | 82 receptions, 777 yards, 3 touchdowns |
| Replacement | Cade Stover (Rookie TE) |
| Key Absences | Nico Collins (WR – Concussion), Trent Brown (OT – Ankle) |
| Match Context | AFC Divisional Round vs. New England Patriots (Jan 2026) |
Texans offensive coordinator [Name TBD] commented, “We’ll adjust the play-calling based on who’s available. It’s about making the best decisions with the personnel on the field.”
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, speaking postgame, declined to comment on Houston’s injuries but noted the importance of depth in playoff matchups.
Schultz’s recovery timeline will depend on the severity of the calf injury. Minor strains can allow return within days, while more severe injuries may require extended rest and rehabilitation. The Texans will rely on backups Cade Stover and Harrison Bryant to fill the tight end role if Schultz cannot return.
Dalton Schultz’s early exit underscores the challenges facing the Texans in Sunday’s playoff matchup. With key players already sidelined, Houston must adapt quickly to sustain offensive efficiency. The injury highlights the critical role of depth and player health in the high-stakes NFL postseason.