Overview
- Houston's Thursday report listed Nico Collins and Justin Watson as non-participants with concussions, with right tackle Trent Brown also out due to an ankle issue.
- Reporters described Collins as a long shot to play given the multi-step NFL protocol and the six-day turnaround from Monday's injury.
- Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez moved through concussion protocol and was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
- Betting lines shifted modestly toward New England, settling around Patriots -3 as health trends solidified late in the week.
- Houston plans adjustments around its top-ranked defense and alternate playmakers such as Christian Kirk and rookie Woody Marks for Sunday's 3 p.m. ET game, which would send the Texans to their first AFC Championship with a win.