Most of the discussion surrounding the Patriots' hosting the Texans this weekend has been about how Drake Maye and the offense will fare against a very good Houston defense. While that will certainly be a highlight of the game, other aspects will be fun to watch, including New England's defense (hopefully) replicating its dominant performance from last week.
They'll be in much better standing if cornerback Christian Gonzalez is able to suit up, after exiting the Chargers game in the third quarter for concussion protocol. He returned to practice on Wednesday, wearing a non-contact jersey, which is great news.
But even better is that he's on track to play on Sunday, and that could make their defensive effort much stronger, even if the Texans will be without their star receiver, who also left last week's game for concussion protocol.
That's the latest news coming out of Houston: Nico Collins was not seen at practice on Thursday, suggesting he's trending toward not playing against the Patriots.
#Texans WR Nico Collins is not at the portion of practice open to media members as he remains in concussion protocol.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) January 15, 2026
Obviously, it’s a long shot he plays Sunday vs. Patriots, considering the steps he must clear.
That's a massive win for the defense, since Collins had another Pro Bowl season in 2025 by recording 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. He would've been a problem without Gonzalez on the field, but now that he should be, but Collins will likely be out, it's an even better result for the Patriots.
The Patriots' defense get good news days ahead of crucial Texans' matchup
Although the secondary has been stellar all season for the Patriots, they were likely headed to face two very good receivers, Collins and Christian Kirk, lined up on the other side.
It's looking like they'll mostly have to account for Kirk now, who had a standout game against the Steelers last week by recording eight receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown, but can't overlook just how good tight end Dalton Shultz can be, especially in Collins' absence.
They'll have to prepare more for how to slow down a big-bodied tight end now, rather than a speedy and elusive receiver, and for the most part, tight ends have been a harder task for this defense in recent years. Hopefully, it won't be a problem on Sunday, but at least they won't have to worry about Collins.