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Christian Gonzalez’s playoff debut ended early after head injury
Gonzalez did not allow any completions on Sunday, but a head injury ended his night early.
FOXBOROUGH – Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez left Sunday’s 16-3 win against the Chargers in the fourth quarter with a head injury.
The Patriots initially ruled him as questionable to return before downgrading him to out.
Head coach Mike Vrabel was not asked about Gonzalez’s status after the game, and Gonzalez did not speak at the podium. The Boston Herald’s Zach Cox reports that Gonzalez said he felt “fine” after the game.
The Pro Bowl cornerback blanketed Los Angeles’s receivers on Sunday. According to Next Gen Stats, only five of the Chargers’ passing attempts targeted Gonzalez and none were completed.
“Gonzalez has allowed a league-low -9.7 receptions over expected this season, including the playoffs,” a social media post from the Next Gen Stats account read.
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It was the first playoff game for the 2023 first-round pick out of Oregon.
Gonzalez had a pair of pass breakups. None of the Chargers’ receivers had more than three catches or 32 yards. Ladd McConkey’s 20-yard reception was the longest of the day. The Patriots gave up 159 passing yards.
The tight coverage paired well with a strong pass-rush that produced five sacks.
“What our defense was able to do early in that game, in the red zone, inside the five-yard line or inside the nine-yard line,” Vrabel said. “I think really set the tone for them for the rest of the game. Could have been better. A lot of scrambles. We knew that.”
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“Again, trying to rush, make sure that those scramble lanes aren’t there. Secondary did a fantastic job with the play extensions, making sure that those plays didn’t get loose. Just really proud of everybody.”
The Patriots have a week to prepare for next week’s divisional round game. They’ll host the winner of the Texans/Steelers Monday night game.
It’s not yet clear what Gonzalez’s status will be for next weekend.
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