New England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III left their playoff win over the Houston Texans early with a head injury, casting doubt over his chances of playing in the AFC Championship game.
The Patriots are back in the championship game for the first time since 2018 after a 28-16 Divisional round win over the Texans, with the Denver Broncos standing in their way of a place in the Super Bowl.
Yet on a night to savor for the franchise, Davis has provided one of the only negatives after suffering a head injury which ruled him out of Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter.
The 29-year-old, who made two crucial interceptions before sustaining the problem, now faces a race against time to be fit for next weekend’s clash with the Broncos.
Since moving to New England on a three-year, $60million contract in 2025, Davis has become an integral member of the Patriots defense.
In 17 appearances this season he has registered a total of 59 tackles, with Sunday’s pair of interceptions his first of the campaign.
Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III left their playoff win over the Texans early on Sunday night
Davis, who made two crucial interceptions, is now a doubt for the AFC Championship game
Prior to signing with the Patriots, Davis enjoyed a season with the Detroit Lions after spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who selected him with the 63rd overall pick in the 2018 draft.
New England head coach Mike Vrabel will be desperate for him to recover in time for next week’s AFC Championship game, which takes place in Denver on Sunday afternoon.
Vrabel’s team will still be full of confidence after dispatching of the Texans in their Divisional battle on Sunday night.
Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes and Marcus Jones returned one of CJ Stroud’s four interceptions for a score as they sealed a 28-16 win at Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots will make their 16th conference championship game appearance and first since their run to their sixth Super Bowl title under Bill Belichick in the 2018 season. New England has won its last nine divisional round games.
Maye finished 16 of 27 for 179 yards, but had an interception and fumbled four times, losing two in cold conditions in which snow and rain fell throughout the game. One of Maye’s fumbles set up Houston´s first touchdown.
