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Ahead of Patriots playoff game, Texans’ top receiver missing from practice
Nico Collins did not practice on Wednesday in Texas after suffering a concussion on Monday.
FOXBOROUGH — While Christian Gonzalez continues to make strides in his return from a concussion, the Houston Texans could be entering Sunday’s divisional-round playoff game at Gillette Stadium without their top receiver.
Both the Patriots and Texans released their respective injury reports following Wednesday’s practice, with Houston wideout Nico Collins ruled out of practice due to a concussion.
Both Collins and Gonzalez suffered concussions during their respective playoff games against the Steelers and Chargers in the wild-card round — with Collins needing to be carted off the field on Monday at Acrisure Stadium during that eventual 30-6 win in Pittsburgh.
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Gonzalez was also concussed on Sunday during New England’s win over Los Angeles, but was back at practice as a limited participant on Wednesday — signaling that he’s on the cusp of getting cleared for game action later this week.
Collins — who also missed a game earlier this season due to a concussion — is a bit further along in the process, which could put his availability in doubt for Sunday’s game in Foxborough.
Playing without Collins would be a sizable loss for a largely pedestrian Houston offense, with the 6-foot-4 wideout serving as C.J. Stroud’s go-to deep threat over the years. The former Michigan standout has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons.
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Beyond the positive update on Gonzalez’s availability, the Patriots also received a lift on Wednesday in terms of Khyiris Tonga’s return to the practice field.
The run-stuffing defensive tackle was a limited participant on Wednesday and could be in play for Sunday after missing the last three games due to a foot injury.
The only two Patriots players who did not practice on Wednesday were offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Thayer Munford Jr. — with the duo ruled out due to knee injuries.
Here’s a look at the injury reports for both the Patriots and Texans:
PATRIOTS
Did Not Participate
OT Morgan Moses – Knee
OT Thayer Munford Jr. – Knee
Limited
CB Christian Gonzalez – Concussion Protocol
TE Hunter Henry – Knee
LB Anfernee Jennings – Knee
RB Terrell Jennings – Concussion
LB Harold Landry – Knee
DL Khyiris Tonga – Foot
Full Participation
CB Alex Austin – Wrist
TEXANS
Did Not Participate
DE Denico Autry – Knee
T Trent Brown – Ankle
WR Nico Collins – Concussion
WR Justin Watson – Concussion
Limited
LB Azeez Al-Shaair – Knee
T/G Tytus Howard – Ankle
G Ed Ingram – Shoulder
RB Jawhar Jordan – Ankle
CB Kamari Lassiter – Ankle/Knee
DT Sheldon Rankins – Elbow
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Full Participation
LS Austin Brinkman – Knee
T Aireontae Ersery – Thumb
S Jaylen Reed – Forearm
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