FOXBORO -- While the biggest injury of the night came when Rob Gronkowski suffered a season-ending broken left forearm in the first quarter, the Patriots lost two other players against the Texans. Both running back Danny Woodhead and defensive end Chandler Jones left the game and did not return before New England's 41-28 win went final.
Jones injured his ankle in the second half and his return was announced as "questionable." The good news on Jones is that, though he was seen limping after the game, the Boston Herald reports that he did not need to wear a walking boot as he left Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots rookie defensive end will have a chance to host his older brother Arthur, a defensive lineman for the Ravens, next week when Baltimore travels to Gillette for the AFC Championship game.
Woodhead injured his left thumb on New England's first play from scrimmage, opening up the door for Shane Vereen's big game. Woodhead was on the sidelines in the second quarter after being listed as "questionable" to return.
Though Gronkowski's injury permanently removes one of Tom Brady's most talented weapons from the Patriots offense, losing Jones and Woodhead for any amount of time would be fairly significant blows.
Jones has started every game at defensive end except for the three he missed with an ankle injury in Weeks 10 through 12.
Woodhead has been a versatile and reliable back as the senior member of the Patriots' running back group, and he was trusted enough to start the Divisional Round playoff game against the Texans until he was injured after the first play.
It will be worth watching the Patriots practice report throughout the week to monitor their statuses.