Higgins is in line for an elevated role in the Texans' passing game Sunday against the Rams after fellow WR Christian Kirk (hamstring) was ruled out for that contest.

EDGE Analysis

Higgins isn't a candidate to take on Kirk's role in the slot, as fellow rookie Jaylin Noel should handle most of those duties, but targets have opened up a bit behind top option Nico Collins. In three appearances this preseason, Higgins recorded a modest 5-40-0 line on seven targets. However, the 2025 second-round pick is coming off a final season at Iowa State in which he averaged 13.6 yards per catch and 8.6 yards per target, so he could make a bigger impact if he's deployed on routes further down the field.

Higgins caught both his targets for 18 yards in Saturday's 26-7 preseason win over the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

The Texans rested their starters, including Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, for their final exhibition contest, and Higgins made only a brief cameo on the team's first two drives before exiting. The 2025 second-round pick seems locked into the No. 3 spot on the depth chart with Tank Dell (knee) still lacking a timeline for his return, and it's a role that could result in significant volume for Higgins in a high-ceiling passing game led by C.J. Stroud.

Higgins brought in one of three targets for 14 yards in the Texans' 20-3 preseason win over the Panthers on Saturday afternoon.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie second-round pick was out there with the first-team offense and made his one reception on the Texans' second drive, which culminated in a Nico Collins touchdown reception. The timing of Higgins' participation in the game continues to suggest he's on a path to opening the regular season as the No. 3 receiver behind Nico Collins and Christian Kirk.

Higgins caught both his targets for eight yards in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings.

EDGE Analysis

The 2025 second-round pick made minimal impact in his first NFL game action, catching two short passes from depth QB Kedon Slovis late in the second quarter. Higgins is expected to start for the Texans this season alongside Nico Collins and Christian Kirk in three-wide sets, but the rookie's usage Saturday suggests he still has to earn that assignment, as he took a back seat to veterans John Metchie (5-45-0 on eight targets) and Braxton Berrios (3-33-1 on three targets).

Higgins is listed as a starter on Houston's initial preseason depth chart, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Texans list three starting wide receivers, with Higgins unsurprisingly joined by Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. It's a good sign for the 34th overall draft pick, although this hardly guarantees he'll be a starter come Week 1. With Kirk mostly working the slot this summer, there is some chance Higgins starts off as a regular in both two-wide and three-wide formations.