Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots started the on-field preparation for their upcoming divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans on Wednesday, and one of their most important players was part of the proceedings.
Wearing a red non-contact jersey, starting cornerback Christian Gonzalez was present during the short media window at the start of the session. While his participation status has yet to be determined, his presence on the practice field is itself a positive sign: it suggests that he already is in the fourth of five stages of the NFL concussion protocol.
Gonzalez, 23, left the Patriots’ victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night following a pass breakup in the early fourth quarter. The Pro Bowler hit his head in the process and after staying on the field for an ensuing third down incompletion headed into the blue medical tent on the sidelines.
Shortly thereafter, Gonzalez exited for the locker room. He was initially announced as questionable to return to the game with a head injury before ultimately being ruled out late in the contest.
On Monday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced that Gonzalez had been placed in the concussion protocol.
The 17th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gonzalez is one of the best cornerbacks in football and a core member of the Patriots’ defense. A Pro Bowl selection this season, he started all 14 regular season games and played 771 defensive snaps, fourth most on the team. He registered 69 tackles and broke up nine passes along the way, and was one of the best players on the field versus the Chargers.
The Patriots will host the Texans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday for a 3 p.m. ET kickoff.
