New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is expected to play in the upcoming game against the Houston Texans despite recently appearing on the injury report with a knee issue. According to the team’s official report, the 10-year veteran fully participated in practice on Thursday, indicating a positive outlook for his availability in Sunday’s matchup.
This news is a significant boost for the Patriots, as Henry has emerged as one of the team’s most dependable offensive players this season. While comparisons to former star tight end Rob Gronkowski may be unwarranted, Henry has excelled as the primary tight end, playing a crucial role as a safety outlet for quarterback Drake Maye. Throughout the season, he has started and played in all 17 games, recording 60 receptions for 768 yards and seven touchdowns on 87 targets. His yardage total marks the highest of his career and ranks second on the team, trailing only Stefon Diggs.
In the playoffs, Henry continued to demonstrate his value with a strong performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He caught three of five targets for 64 yards and secured the game’s only touchdown. As the Patriots prepare to face the Texans, who present a formidable challenge with their elite defense, Henry’s presence on the field becomes even more crucial.
The Texans, who finished the regular season with a 12-5 record, have proven to be a resilient team. After starting the year with three consecutive losses, they rebounded impressively and secured the fifth seed in the playoffs. Their recent dominance was evident in the Wild Card round, where they decisively defeated the Steelers. With aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl, the Texans pose a significant threat to the Patriots.
As the two teams prepare to clash on the field in Foxboro, Massachusetts, the weather may also play a factor. The forecast suggests cold temperatures with a possibility of snow, conditions that could impact gameplay. While the Texans will be without star wide receiver Nico Collins, the Patriots will rely on their lockdown cornerback Christian Gonzalez to help counter the Texans’ offensive threats.
With Henry likely to take the field, the Patriots will have a stronger chance of securing a victory against one of the toughest opponents they will face this season. As kickoff approaches, fans are eager to see how this matchup unfolds, especially with both teams carrying significant stakes into the postseason.
