The New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in the first round of the NFL Playoffs.
While the Patriots won, they may have suffered a key loss for their next matchup. Christian Gonzalez left the game early with a head injury. He was initially listed as questionable to return, but was soon ruled out.
Gonzalez did not speak to the media after the game, but according to The Boston Herald’s Zack Cox, he provided a brief update.
“Christian Gonzalez is in the locker room after the game,” Cox reported on X on Sunday. “Said he couldn’t talk to the media (typical for players who leave with a head injury) but that he feels ‘fine.’”
Gonzalez had two pass breakups in the game before his early exit. He has not entered concussion protocol as of Monday morning, but the Patriots are at risk of losing him for their next game if he does.
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He was named a Pro Bowler this season for the first time in his career. In 14 regular-season games, he had 10 passes defended. He did not have any interceptions, but that is a result of teams opting not to throw his way.
More details of Gonzalez’s injury should emerge soon. It is an encouraging sign that he was not immediately placed in the league’s concussion protocol, however.
