Patriots get more good news at Thursday practice before Texans playoff game
FOXBORO — Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez shed his non-contact jersey in favor of a regular pinny before Thursday’s practice, indicating he has progressed in the NFL’s concussion protocol and is on track to play Sunday against the Texans.
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Gonzalez wore a non-contact jersey at Wednesday’s practice when he participated in football-specific drills, a sign he was in Phase Four of the protocol. His activity Thursday reflects he’s either entered the final phase of the protocol or been cleared for game action all together.
If Gonzalez can play, the Patriots defense would receive a major boost against a Texans offense likely to be without No. 1 receiver Nico Collins. In Houston, Collins has yet to practice this week after sustaining a concussion Monday night against the Steelers.
All other Patriots players were in attendance at the start of Thursday’s practice, a sign of strong overall health. Like Gonzalez, backup running back Terrell Jennings also shed his non-contact jersey after landing on injured reserve with a concussion he suffered last month.
The Patriots will release their next injury report Thursday evening.
