The Houston Texans suffered a devastating injury earlier this week to second-year wide receiver Jayden Higgins. After a strong rookie season, the 6-foot-4 wideout was expected to take another leap in 2026, and many had pegged him as a potential breakout candidate. Instead, he tore the ACL in his right knee during a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
In the days since, Houston has worked out multiple receivers in search of a quick fix. On Friday, the Texans found two veteran options to help shore up the rotation, signing both Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones after each reportedly impressed the team during their respective workouts. Shepard, a second-round pick in 2016 out of Oklahoma, spent his first eight seasons with the New York Giants before spending the last two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Throughout his career, he's proven to be a gritty, agile slot receiver and reliable route runner who can step up when needed. Last season with the Bucs, he hauled in 39 catches for 371 yards and one touchdown across 13 games, including three games with 50-plus receiving yards. Jones, meanwhile, was a second-round pick in 2017 out of East Carolina, spending his first three seasons with the Buffalo Bills before stints with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Arizona Cardinals.
Last season in Arizona, he racked up 183 yards on 12 catches across eight games before tearing his Achilles in Week 10, ending his season early. He's since fully recovered and has apparently done enough to earn another NFL contract — this time with the Texans. More news: Jerry Jones Plans to Make Cowboys Players Pay for $500,000 NFL Fine More news: Tyreek Hill’s Agent Reveals Major Update on Star WR’s NFL Future Neither player offers anywhere near the upside Higgins does, and both are well past their prime.
But they bring a decade of NFL experience apiece across different systems and quarterbacks, giving Houston much-needed depth. Nico Collins will also face more pressure as the team's unquestioned WR1, as will young pass catchers Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, Tank Dell, and Lewis Bond. More news: George Kittle’s Achilles Recovery Takes Positive Turn Ahead of Week 1
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