The Patriots are getting a major boost in their secondary just in time for the divisional round. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez has cleared concussion protocol and will suit up for Sunday’s playoff showdown against the Houston Texans.
Gonzalez exited late in the fourth quarter of New England’s 16-3 wild-card win over the Chargers after breaking up a pass intended for Quentin Johnston. That play capped off a lockdown performance - five targets, zero completions allowed. And now, after being a full participant in practice on both Thursday and Friday, the 23-year-old is officially off the injury report and ready to roll.
That’s big news for a Patriots defense that’s leaned on Gonzalez all year to neutralize top-tier receiving talent. The Pro Bowler has been a cornerstone of New England’s secondary, racking up 69 tackles and 10 pass breakups during the regular season. Whether it’s man coverage or zone, he’s consistently been the guy tasked with taking away the opposing team’s No. 1 option - and more often than not, he’s delivered.
This season marked Gonzalez’s first Pro Bowl selection, and it’s well deserved. He’s the first Patriots defensive back to earn the honor since J.C.
Jackson in 2021, and he also took home second-team All-Pro recognition in 2024. Not bad for a player just a couple of years into his NFL career.
The Patriots typically roll out Gonzalez and veteran Carlton Davis III on the outside, with Marcus Jones handling duties in the slot. Behind them, Charles Woods and Kobee Minor provide depth, but there’s no question who the top dog is in that cornerback room.
As for the rest of the injury report, linebacker Harold Landry III (knee) and running back Terrell Jennings (concussion) are both listed as questionable for Sunday. Their statuses will be worth monitoring as kickoff approaches, but the headline here is clear: Gonzalez is back, and that’s a game-changer for a New England defense that’s already playing with confidence.
With a trip to the AFC Championship on the line, having your top corner healthy and ready to shadow Houston’s playmakers is exactly what the Patriots needed.