The New England Patriots are looking to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady era. The Pats feel they have just the quarterback and coach duo to get it done with Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel, respectively.
Maye and Vrabel got their first playoff win together on Sunday night, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round. It wasn’t the most impressive performance for Maye and the offense, but the defensive side of the ball dominated from start to finish.
Unfortunately, one of the Patriots’ stars on defense is officially in the concussion protocol, according to one prominent insider, jeopardizing his chances of playing in the divisional round.
“Patriots HC Mike Vrabel says Pro Bowl CB Christian Gonzalez is in concussion protocol after last night’s game. One to watch ahead of the Divisional Round vs. PIT or HOU,” reported Ari Meirov on Monday.
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel says Pro Bowl CB Christian Gonzalez is in concussion protocol after last night’s game.
One to watch ahead of the Divisional Round vs. PIT or HOU. pic.twitter.com/yCrW0tcakK
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2026
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“That’s a big one to monitor. Christian Gonzalez is a cornerstone for that secondary, and his availability could swing a playoff matchup. Concussion protocol timelines are always tricky,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Lol I can already see it now. PIT wins by devil magic tonight and Gonzalez misses their matchup. He would easily erase Metcalf. Shit is lining up for PIT to make a potential run,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“If gonzo doesn’t play they don’t stand a chance. If I’m correct they are either exactly at .500 or below .500 when he doesn’t play,” someone else added.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Patriots’ defense looks if Gonzalez can’t give it a go.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.