FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots got some positive injury news on Wednesday, as cornerback Christian Gonzalez returned to practice.

Gonzalez, who left Sunday’s wild-card win over the Chargers with a head injury, was in concussion protocol on Monday, according to coach Mike Vrabel. Gonzalez was on the field in a red, noncontact jersey, and while he was listed as limited by the team, his presence bodes well for his chances to play in Sunday’s divisional-round game against the Texans.

Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, who missed the Chargers game with a foot injury, was on the field, as well. Tonga, who also was sidelined for the last two regular-season games, wouldn’t comment specifically on his health status, but he gave a thumbs up when asked about the possibility of playing Sunday.

The following Patriots were listed as DNPs on Wednesday: tackles Thayer Munford (knee) and Morgan Moses (knee). Joining Gonzalez and Tonga as limited were tight end Hunter Henry (knee), linebacker Anfernee Jennings (knee), running back Terrell Jennings (concussion protocol), and linebacker Harold Landry (knee). Jennings was in a red, noncontact jersey (opening his 21-day activation window after a stint on injured reserve).

Collins misses practice

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (concussion) missed Wednesday’s practice.

Collins was injured in the third quarter of Monday night’s 30-6 playoff win over the Steelers. After he was unable to haul in a pass from C.J. Stroud, he fell face-first onto the turf. He was carted to the locker room, after which he was diagnosed with a concussion.

It’s the second documented concussion of the season for Collins. He also suffered one in Week 7, and missed the following game. The best option in the passing game for the Texans, Collins finished the regular season with 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.

“He’s like a little Julio Jones,” Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis said of Collins. “He can do a little bit of everything.”

End of an era with the departures of John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin

The Texans had three other DNPs on Wednesday: defensive end Denico Autry (knee), tackle Trent Brown (ankle), and wide receiver Justin Watson (concussion).

Taylor signed to practice squad

The Patriots signed former Texans defensive end Darrell Taylor to the practice squad.

A former second-round pick out of Tennessee in 2020, the 6-foot-4-inch, 255-pounder has also played with the Seahawks and Bears. The 28-year-old had his best season with the Seahawks in 2022, registering 9.5 sacks and forcing four fumbles as a situational pass rusher.

While Taylor gives the Patriots pass-rushing depth, he was with the Texans as late as this month, which means he could provide some additional scouting information.

“We had conversations with him in free agency,” Vrabel said. “Ended up going somewhere else. And then, when he became available, we got together and had a conversation and were able to bring him in.”

In a corresponding move, the Patriots released running back Elijah Mitchell from the practice squad.

On assignment

Shawn Smith will serve as the referee for Sunday’s game. His crew called the seventh-fewest number of penalties per game in the regular season (12.13). Smith also served as the lead official for the Dec. 1 game in Foxborough between the Patriots and Giants, when New England was flagged only three times … When asked for a prediction for Monday’s national championship game between Indiana and Miami, Patriots personnel executive and former Hurricane star Alonzo Highsmith said he’s picking his alma mater, 31-21.