Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Patriots Announce Christian Gonzalez Update Amid NFL Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 6:00 AM ET

The New England Patriots are preparing for their upcoming home matchup against the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round after the latter beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.

The week began in New England with the Patriots still not knowing their upcoming opponent, and with uncertainty surrounding the status of one of their most important defensive players.

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez exited late in Sunday’s 16-3 wild-card win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The play occurred as he dove to break up a pass intended for Quentin Johnston in the fourth quarter.

Following the collision, Gonzalez was evaluated in the blue medical tent and then taken to the locker room. Gonzalez did not return to the game.

Here's another look at the play Christian Gonzalez got hurt on pic.twitter.com/J3hZnUM4Ik
— Ben Brown (@BenBrownPL) January 12, 2026

On Monday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed Gonzalez’s condition and confirmed that the defensive back is now in concussion protocol.

“When you don’t return to the game — when they don’t let you go back in the game — that would put you in the protocol,” Vrabel said. “So wherever that goes, that goes.”

Gonzalez was playing what Vrabel described as one of his strongest outings of the season before the injury.

“Gonzo continues to play at a high level,” Vrabel said. “Those are the expectations that he has for himself and that we have for him.

“We appreciate what he’s done and his willingness to line up different places. It’s not quite as easy as — we’ve been through this — but different coverages, locations, motions and things like that. He’s handled that all really well.”

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0). Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Vrabel, however, couldn't provide a timeline for Gonzalez's return, leaving the door open for a potential absence come Sunday's game.

“How long that lasts, I don’t know,” Vrabel said. “Hopefully, we’ll get him back.”

Gonzalez, 23, recorded two pass breakups before leaving Sunday’s game. He finished the regular season with 68 tackles (53 solo) and 10 passes defended, earning his first career Pro Bowl nod.

The Patriots will host the Texans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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