Christian Gonzalez Cleared to Play vs. Texans, Giving Patriots’ Defense a Timely Boost
As the Patriots prepare for Sunday’s AFC Divisional matchup against the Houston Texans, they just got the kind of news that could swing a playoff game. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to suit up - a massive development for a New England defense that’s about to face one of the league’s most dynamic young quarterbacks in C.J. Stroud.
This will be Gonzalez’s second return from concussion protocol this season, and the timing couldn’t be better. The Patriots are one win away from their first AFC Championship appearance since 2018, and they’ll need all the help they can get to get past a Texans offense that topped the league in multiple categories in 2025.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a depth piece returning to the lineup. Gonzalez is a game-changer.
His presence on the field gives New England a legitimate shot at limiting Houston’s explosive passing attack. Against Stroud - who’s shown poise, accuracy, and a knack for big plays all season - every extra second of coverage matters.
Gonzalez brings that, and more.
The injury that sidelined him happened late in last week’s win over the Chargers. On the second play of the fourth quarter, Gonzalez made a clean hit on wide receiver Quentin Johnston, covering him tightly on a 2nd-and-7 from the Chargers’ 46-yard line.
But as Johnston went down, he landed on top of Gonzalez, and the cornerback stayed on the turf longer than usual. He tried to tough it out and remain in the game, but just two plays later - after a Chargers punt - Gonzalez exited and didn’t return.
That cast some doubt over his availability for this week. He was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but ramped things up with full participation on Thursday and Friday. Now officially cleared, he’s set to return at just the right time.
This is a huge lift for a Patriots defense that may find itself in another grind-it-out, low-scoring affair. Houston’s offense can hit quick-strike plays, and keeping those to a minimum is going to be a top priority. Having Gonzalez back gives New England a better shot at doing just that.
The Patriots still don’t know who they’ll face next if they advance. Saturday’s matchup between the Bills and Broncos will determine whether New England travels to Denver or hosts Buffalo next weekend in the AFC Championship.
But that’s a conversation for later. Right now, it’s about taking care of business against a red-hot Texans team - and doing it with one of their best defensive players back in the fold.
For New England, the road to the AFC title just got a little clearer.