New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is in the NFL’s concussion protocol after suffering a head injury during Sunday night’s 16–3 playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving his availability uncertain for the divisional round.
The 23-year-old cornerback was making his postseason debut and had already contributed two pass breakups before the injury, which occurred midway through the fourth quarter while he was defending a pass intended for Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Gonzalez jumped the route and nearly came away with an interception, but as both players went to the ground, Johnston landed on Gonzalez’s helmet, with the back of Gonzalez’s head appearing to strike the turf. He was initially listed as questionable to return before being downgraded to out following further evaluation in the locker room. After the game, Gonzalez briefly interacted with reporters but said he was not permitted to speak, adding that he was “fine.”
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Monday that Gonzalez was not cleared to re-enter the game, which automatically placed him into the league’s concussion protocol. Speaking to reporters, Vrabel emphasized that the process is routine in such situations: “How long that lasts, I don’t know,” Vrabel said. “But when they don’t let you go back in the game that would put you in the protocol. So wherever that goes, that goes.” Vrabel also praised Gonzalez’s overall impact, saying, “Gonzo continues to play at a high level. We appreciate what he’s done and his willingness to line up different places. He’s handled that all really well.” Gonzalez will have the week to progress through protocol, though Vrabel said there is no clear timeline.
Gonzalez, a first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been one of the Patriot’s most consistent defensive performers this season. In 15 starts, including the playoffs, he recorded 69 tackles and led the team with 12 passes defended, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. However, injuries have been a recurring theme in Gonzalez’s career — he missed most of his rookie season due to a torn labrum, sat out one game last year with a concussion, and missed the first three games of the current season with a hamstring injury sustained during training camp.
The Patriots will face the winner of Monday night’s wild-card matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans, with the divisional-round game set for Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
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