FOXBORO — Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Monday that cornerback Christian Gonzalez is in concussion protocol.

Gonzalez left Sunday night’s win over the Chargers with a head injury in the fourth quarter. He was officially ruled out as the game was ending.

“He would be in the protocol. How long does that last? I don’t know, but when you don’t return to the game, they won’t let you go back in the game. That would put him in the protocol,” Vrabel said. “Wherever that goes, that goes. … Hopefully we’ll get him back.”

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Players must go through a five-step process in order to clear concussion protocol. There will be a pretty good indication of whether Gonzalez will be able to suit up in Sunday’s divisional-round matchup by Wednesday at practice.

If Gonzalez is on the field in a red non-contact jersey, then he has a chance to play. If he’s not able to take the practice field by Wednesday, then it could be an uphill battle for him to be cleared. Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson cleared concussion protocol within the week earlier this season. Other players, like center Jared Wilson, miss multiple games in the protocol.

Vrabel spoke highly of Gonzalez’s performance in Sunday’s 16-3 win over the Chargers. The 2025 Pro Bowler didn’t allow any receptions on four targets and broke up two passes.

“Gonzo continues to play at a high level. Those are the expectations he has for himself, and we have for him,” Vrabel said. “We appreciate what he’s done and his willingness to line up in different places It’s not quite as easy – different coverages, locations, and motions, things like that. He’s handled that all really well.”

Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round pick and 2024 All-Pro, missed the first three weeks of the season with a hamstring injury. He finished the regular season with 69 tackles, 10 pass breakups, one tackle for loss and no interceptions. He allowed just one touchdown on the year.

On Sunday, Gonzalez played a major role in limiting Chargers QB Justin Herbert to 120 net passing yards.

Charles Woods filled in for Gonzalez opposite starter Carlton Davis. The Patriots also have slot cornerback Marcus Jones and rookie Kobee Minor on the 53-man roster. Alex Austin (wrist) is on injured reserve and eligible to be activated, if needed, against the Patriots’ still-undetermined divisional-round opponent.