Christian Gonzalez takes field Wednesday for first Patriots practice ahead of Texans game
The Patriots may have caught a break when it comes to the health of star cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel met with reporters Wednesday ahead of the team's divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans. He revealed ahead of practice that star cornerback Christian Gonzalez would indeed be on the field Wednesday after was placed in concussion protocol during the wild-card round.
Christian Gonzalez health status
A key question heading into the week was the health of Gonzalez, who entered concussion protocol after a Chargers player landed on his head while he broke up a pass.
"I do anticipate him being out there," Vrabel said Wednesday.
Gonzalez was then on the practice field in a red non-contact jersey, which likely means he has not fully cleared concussion protocol but is in the later stages of it. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga was also back at practice. He has missed several weeks with a foot injury.
Tonga, Gonzalez, Hunter Henry, Anfernee Jennings, Terrell Jennings and Harold Landry were officially listed as limited participants in Wednesday's practice. Morgan Moses and Thayer Munford Jr. were the only two players who missed the session.
According to reports out of Houston, star wide receiver Nico Collins did not practice on Wednesday. He was placed in concussion protocol Monday night after slamming his head against the turf in the team's win over the Steelers.
The Patriots earned the No. 2 seed in the AFC for the playoffs with a 14-3 regular season. They advanced Sunday night with a 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium, thanks to a dominant defensive performance and a bounce back second half by quarterback Drake Maye.
This week, the Patriots and Texans will kick off at Gillette Stadium at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The game will air on ABC and ESPN.
Patriots vs. Texans
Houston advanced to face the Patriots following a 12-5 regular season that earned them the No. 5 seed in the AFC. The Texans then defeated the AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football to set up the showdown in Foxboro.
The Texans defense will be a major challenge for Maye and the Patriots. Houston is ranked near the top of the league in most statistical categories for pass and rush defense.
"Great talent, great scheme, they play hard. I respect how hard they play," Vrabel said of the Texans. "They play to the football, they chase the football. They get a lot of hats to the football, they create turnovers, they play physical."
Vrabel was asked if play calling changes because the Texans are so good at getting off the field on third down.
"We never want to sit there in 3rd and 12. We were 3rd and 15 last week we picked it up. Chargers were ranked the same as the Texans. We're going to go play the game. And that's what we're going to do is go play the game," Vrabel said. "We're going to enjoy it just like we did last week. Again, you have too many of those I think it's a bad thing. But if we find ourselves in those situations, we're going to have to get ourselves out of them."
Darrell Taylor signs with Patriots
On Wednesday, the Patriots signed defensive end Darrell Taylor, who was waived by Houston this week off their practice squad. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said there is a "strong possibility" New England will elevate Taylor for the postseason.
Vrabel said the team had past discussions with Taylor, and feels he can help the defense.
"We had conversations with him in free agency. Ended up going somewhere else. When he became available, we got together, had a conversation and were able to bring him in," Vrabel said.
Drake Maye's leadership
A reporter asked about a gesture Drake Maye made following Sunday's win. Maye was selected for the postgame show on the national broadcast, but said he wanted his offensive linemen to join him.
"I think that's what you do as a leader. You try to give credit and accept blame. And put it on you," Vrabel said. "That's all part of being a quarterback in this league, knowing that nobody is doing this by themselves. You're going to have some good days and bad days, but I think having gratitude is important."
The winner of Sunday's game at Gillette Stadium will face either the top-seeded Broncos in Denver or host the No. 6 seed Buffalo Bills.