FOXBORO — Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was present for the start of Wednesday’s practice in a non-contact jersey and participated in initial drills, indicating he is already in the fourth phase of the NFL’s five-phase concussion protocol.

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With two practices and four days left before Sunday’s divisional-round playoff game against Houston, Gonzalez needs only to be cleared for full practice participation before he can then be cleared for game action. Gonzalez was diagnosed with a concussion in the second half of last Sunday’s Wild Card playoff win over the Chargers.

His return would significantly boost a Patriots defense preparing for a Texans offense that may be without No. 1 receiver Nico Collins, who sustained his own concussion last Monday versus Pittsburgh.

Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga returned to practice for the first time since hurting his foot at Baltimore on Dec. 21. He returned next to injured backup running back Terrell Jennings, whose 21-day window has been opened for a potential activation off injured reserve later this year. Relatedly, the Pats released running back D’Ernest Johnson from their active roster earlier this week.

Patriots right tackle Morgan Moses, tight end Hunter Henry, outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and backup offensive lineman Thayer Munford Jr. were all absent. Moses and Henry received veteran rest days last Wednesday before participating in both practices later in the week.

The Patriots will release their first injury report of the week Wednesday evening.