FOXBORO — Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was current for the beginning of Wednesday’s apply in a non-contact jersey and took part in preliminary drills, indicating he’s already within the fourth section of the NFL’s five-phase concussion protocol.
With two practices and 4 days left earlier than Sunday’s divisional-round playoff sport towards Houston, Gonzalez wants solely to be cleared for full apply participation earlier than he can then be cleared for sport motion. Gonzalez was recognized with a concussion within the second half of final Sunday’s Wild Card playoff win over the Chargers.
His return would considerably enhance a Patriots protection making ready for a Texans offense that could be with out No. 1 receiver Nico Collins, who sustained his personal concussion final Monday versus Pittsburgh.
Defensive sort out Khyiris Tonga returned to apply for the primary time since hurting his foot at Baltimore on Dec. 21. He returned subsequent to injured backup working again Terrell Jennings, whose 21-day window has been opened for a possible activation off injured reserve later this 12 months. Relatedly, the Pats launched working again D’Ernest Johnson from their lively roster earlier this week.
Patriots proper sort out Morgan Moses, tight finish Hunter Henry, exterior linebacker Anfernee Jennings and backup offensive lineman Thayer Munford Jr. have been all absent. Moses and Henry obtained veteran relaxation days final Wednesday earlier than collaborating in each practices later within the week.
The Patriots will launch their first damage report of the week Wednesday night.
