Colombian Christian Gonzalez, star cornerback for the New England Patriots, cleared concussion protocol on Friday and will play Sunday against the Houston Texans in the divisional round game of the NFL‘s American Conference.
Gonzalez, a 23-year-old defensive back, was in doubt to return to action after he was injured in the final period of the Patriots’ 16-3 wild-card round loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday.
From worrying blow to defensive figure
The cornerback was hit in the head in an action in which, after preventing Quentin Johnston from catching a ball, he crashed to the turf and the opposing receiver fell on his helmet.
Christian Gonzalez is a key part of New England’s defensive secondary.
Team to which he was selected in the first round of the 2023 Draft after shining with the Oregon Ducks of college soccer.
In his first year with the Pats he only played 4 games due to a fractured shoulder.
For 2024, Christian Gonzalez looked good with 59 tackles, 11 passes defended, 2 interceptions and 1 fumble recovered.
Gonzalez returns, but Texans lose Nico Collins
In this regular season, Christian Gonzalez received his first Pro Bowl selection thanks to his performance.
He recorded 69 tackles and 10 passes defended.
While the Patriots got their star defensive secondary back, earlier in the day the Houston Texans confirmed that Nico Collins, their leading receiver, will miss the divisional matchup because he did not clear concussion protocol.
He was doubtful to return to action
QuéOnnda.com
Collins was injured last Monday during the wild card matchup in which they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This was while trying to catch a ball, but under pressure from the defender, Nico fell forward without putting his hands in to avoid the blow against the field that hit the front of his head.
Nico left the field on the emergency cart after the dramatic injury.
Without Collins, the Texans offense loses top target in quarterback CJ Stroud.
In the regular campaign, the 26-year-old receiver caught 71 passes for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns, numbers that earned him his second Pro Bowl selection.
With information from EFE
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com
