Patriots Practice Change Signals Good News Ahead Of AFC Championship
New England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III looks like he will be available for the AFC Championship.
Davis, who was ruled out with a head injury late in Sunday’s divisional round victory over the Houston Texans, was seen practicing without a red non-contact jersey on Friday, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
What does that mean?
Davis has all but officially cleared concussion protocol. The Patriots will have to monitor how he responds to full participation, but are now able to clear him for game action as soon as Friday — putting him on a path to play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Christian Gonzalez went through a similar process last week, as he was removed from the wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers with a head injury before returning as a limited participant in practice the following Wednesday. Gonzalez would go on to be listed as a full participant on Thursday and Friday, before making the start against Houston.
New England is well versed in protocol lately, as running back TreVeyon Henderson, receiver Kayshon Boutte and left guard Jared Wilson all entered concussion protocol due to injuries sustained in a victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. Henderson returned the following week, Boutte two weeks later and Wilson three weeks later for the beginning of the postseason, which reflects how the timetable for players clearing concussion protocol can vary.