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Two Key Patriots Players Limited At Practice On Wednesday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 7:22 PM ET

The New England Patriots might not have every player at their very best when they take on the Houston Texans with a trip to the AFC Championship Game on the line.

According to reports, two key starters were nursing injuries when the Patriots started practice today. Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez was limited as he heals up from a concussion, while starting tight end Hunter Henry was limited with a knee injury.

"Linebacker Anfernee (knee), running back Terrell Jennings (concussion), linebacker Harold Landry (knee) and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (foot) also were limited," ProFootballTalk reported. "The team practiced without offensive tackle Morgan Moses (knee) and offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (knee). Cornerback Alex Austin (wrist) was a full participant. Austin and Jennings are in their 21-day return-to-practice windows."

Patriots Wednesday injury report: https://t.co/9BYbzEehZ3 pic.twitter.com/hzzPqu3QID
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 14, 2026

Gonzalez and Henry

Those two aforementioned players are pretty key to the team's success this year.

Gonzalez is a Pro Bowler who had 10 passes defended, a team-leading 54 solo tackles and a tackle for loss in just 14 games. He added another two passes defended in New England's 16-3 Wild Card win over the Chargers.

Henry has been the Patriots' starting tight end for several years now. He led the team in touchdown receptions with seven and ranked second in receptions and yards with 60 for 768.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 09: A detail of a New England Patriots helmet prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Michael Reaves/Getty Images

But the Patriots still have the edge with MVP frontrunner Drake Maye, a top-10 defense and and elite run game. They're playing complementary football in all phases of the game and will be a tough team for anyone to beat right now, even with a handful of noteworthy injuries.

The Patriots are three-point home favorites against the Texans this weekend.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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