New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has been included on the injury report due to a knee issue, but the news appears favorable for the team. The 10-year veteran fully participated in practice on Thursday, indicating a strong likelihood that he will take the field during the upcoming game against the Houston Texans on January 7, 2024, barring any unexpected developments.
Henry’s potential return is a significant boost for the Patriots, who have relied heavily on his contributions throughout the season. While comparisons to former star tight end Rob Gronkowski may be premature, Henry has established himself as a key component of the passing game. He has provided a reliable outlet for quarterback Drake Maye, finishing the regular season with 60 receptions for 768 yards and seven touchdowns on 87 targets. This yardage total marks the highest of his career and ranks second on the team, only behind Stefon Diggs.
As the Patriots prepare to face the Texans, they will encounter what is expected to be their most formidable challenge of the season. The Texans, guided by a robust defense, overcame a rocky start to finish the season with a 12-5 record and secure the fifth seed in the playoffs. They demonstrated their capabilities by dominating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, establishing themselves as serious contenders with aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl.
The matchup will take place in the chilly conditions of Foxboro, Massachusetts, where snow is a possibility during the game. While the Texans will be without their star wide receiver Nico Collins, the Patriots will benefit from having lockdown cornerback Christian Gonzalez available to bolster their defense.
With Hunter Henry likely to suit up, the Patriots’ chances of overcoming the Texans increase significantly. As both teams prepare for this crucial playoff encounter, the outcome remains uncertain, but Henry’s presence on the field could be a pivotal factor in determining the victor.
