Patriots Key Defender ‘Optimistic’ About Playing Against Texans

It has been a few weeks since the New England Patriots have had Khyiris Tonga, as the defensive tackle and fullback has been dealing with a foot injury he suffered in Week 16.

And while nothing’s definite for Sunday’s Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans, Tonga gave an update on how he’s feeling and whether he thinks he will be able to get out onto the field.

“I’m optimistic,” Tonga told reporters on Thursday. “Still meeting with trainers every day, but I feel good.”

This season, Tonga has recorded 24 tackles, two of which were for loss, along with two quarterback hits and two pass breakups. So, having to sit on the sidelines and watch his team play was “the worst.”

“It sucks, but I’m glad to be back,” Tonga said. “It feels so good being around my teammates again. It sucked to watch them ball out and not be able to be there. It’s so fun to be back in the groove.”

Patriots Have Gotten Healthy At The Right Time

New England is set to face off against the Texans in their toughest matchup so far this season, which is why it’s so important that the Patriots have as many players healthy as possible. And that’s just the case.

On Wednesday, Patriots tackles Morgan Moses and Thayer Munford Jr. did not participate in practice due to a knee injury, while CB Christian Gonzalez (Concussion), TE Hunter Henry (Knee), LB Anfernee Jennings (Knee), RB Terrell Jennings (Concussion), LB Harold Landry (Knee), and Tonga (Foot) were all limited. CB Alex Austin (wrist) was listed as a full participant.

But on Thursday, no a single Patriots player was missing, with only Jennings, Landry, Moses, and Munford being limited. Gonzalez was a full participant and was in a regular practice jersey, shedding the red non-contact one he had been wearing the day before. Tonga, Henry, and Jennings were also moved to full participants.

As for the Texans, it was the second straight day that WR Nico Collins (Concussion), T Trent Brown (Ankle), WR Justin Watson (Concussion), and DE Denico Autry (Knee) did not participate. Star defensive players Azeez Al-Shaair (Knee) and CB Kamari Lassiter (Ankle/Knee) have been limited for the two practices this week as well.

Patriots Defense Appears To Be Catching A Slight Break

In the Texans’ wild card win over the Steelers, star wide receiver Nico Collins suffered a concussion and was carted off the football field, putting his status in jeopardy for Sunday. This marked the receiver’s second concussion this year, having finished the regular season with 1,117 receiver yards and six receiving touchdowns.

“He’s probably their best player on offense,” Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis said (per MassLive). “Obviously, he’s an impactful player. We’ll see if he plays.”

Without Collins, Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud turned towards Christian Kirk in last week’s game and will likely rely on him, along with Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Xavier Hutchinson, on Sunday.

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