The New England Patriots just got a major boost while also catching a major break with the latest injury updates ahead of the team’s Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans.
And with that, it could help the Patriots punch a ticket to the AFC Championship game.
Christian Gonzalez Is Cleared
GettyNew England Patriots defender Christian Gonzalez
Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a head injury in the team’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week, putting his status for this weekend in doubt.
On Wednesday, Gonzalez went out for practice, but was wearing a red non-contact jersey. Then, on Thursday and Friday, he was without it.
Head coach Mike Vrabel initially told reporters on Friday that Gonzalez was going to be questionable for Sunday due to the concussion protocol, but when the official injury report was released, he was no longer on it, indicating that he had been cleared.
As for the rest of the injury report, New England has not ruled anyone out. Running back Terrell Jennings, who is currently on injury reserve, as well as linebacker Harold Landry, who has been dealing with a knee injury, are marked as questionable. Landry was the only player missing from practice on Friday.
“We’re just trying to do everything we can and give them enough time to see how it feels for Sunday,” Vrabel said when asked about Landry’s injury.
The Patriots are also getting back defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, who has been out for the past few weeks due to a foot injury.
“We’ll find out on Sunday,” Vrabel said when asked about how it is to have Tonga back. “He’s great to have in practice, but what matters is what it’s going to be on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. I would say that hopefully he could pick up where he left off in his production, what he was able to do and how he helped us inside there as an interior, rotational player with Milt [Milton Williams] and Christian [Barmore], playing all those guys. Cory [Durden]’s helped us – but that’s what this league is about, it’s about taking advantage of opportunities, getting an opportunity. When Tonga wasn’t out there, that meant more snaps for Cory, and in this case, Leonard [Taylor III] and Eric [Gregory], and those guys all, I feel like, improved. Not only that, but took advantage of their opportunities. So, it’ll be good to add Tonga back into that.”
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans Will Be Without Their Star Receiver
Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has not practiced all week and was officially ruled out for Sunday afternoon’s clash. Collins suffered a concussion in Pittsburgh on Monday and had to be carted off the field.
It’s a huge loss for Houston, as Collins has caught 71 passes for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns this season.
“He’s probably their best player on offense,” Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis said earlier this week (per MassLive). “Obviously he’s an impactful player.”
Along with Collins, wide receiver Justin Watson (concussion) has also been listed as out. Tackle Trent Brown (ankle) is questionable.
Patriots Catch A Break As Concussion Updates Favor New England