Honestly, nobody expected the New England Patriots to be here. Not this fast. After the mess that was the last couple of years, seeing Foxborough buzz for a Divisional Round playoff game feels like a fever dream. But here we are. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the Patriots breaking news today isn't just about roster shuffles or injury reports—it’s about the fact that this team is officially dangerous again.
The vibes at Gillette Stadium are different under Mike Vrabel. There’s a grit that was missing. Today, the Patriots host the Houston Texans at 3:00 p.m. ET, and the stakes couldn't be higher. If they win? They’re heading to Denver to face a Broncos team that just lost their star QB Bo Nix to a broken ankle. Basically, the path to the Super Bowl just blew wide open, but the Texans are a massive roadblock standing in the way.
The Roster Shuffle: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
The front office has been busy. New England made some final tweaks to the 53-man roster on Saturday that tell us a lot about their game plan. The big news? CB Alex Austin is back. He’s been on injured reserve since Week 12 with a wrist injury, but he’s been activated just in time.
Now, Austin isn't going to start over Christian Gonzalez—who, thank goodness, cleared concussion protocol—but he’s a special teams ace. In a playoff game where one muffed punt or one long return can ruin your season, having a guy like Austin back is low-key huge.
The team also elevated:
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- RB D’Ernest Johnson: He’s been the ultimate "yo-yo" player this week, getting released and then re-signed to the practice squad. He’ll likely handle kickoff returns alongside Efton Chism III.
- DL Leonard Taylor III: This is his fifth elevation. He’s been a "dirty work" guy in the trenches, and they'll need his 305-pound frame to clog up running lanes today.
One bummer: RB Terrell Jennings is staying on IR. He tried to make a go of it, even shedding his non-contact jersey in practice, but he didn't get the green light. That means it’s the Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson show in the backfield.
Can Drake Maye Handle the Heat?
Let's talk about the kid. Drake Maye has been better than advertised. He’s poised. He’s got that "it" factor. But today is a massive mental test. Last week against the Chargers, he played "boring" football—and that’s a compliment. He didn't force throws, he managed the clock, and he let the defense win the game 16-3.
But the Texans defense is a different animal. They bring pressure from everywhere.
"Those guys, especially at the linebacker level, they try to take your head off," Maye told reporters this week. "They tackle hard. We’ve got our hands full."
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It’s sorta poetic, actually. Maye’s first-ever NFL start was against Houston last year. It was a rollercoaster—flashes of brilliance mixed with "rookie" mistakes that turned into turnovers. Today is his chance to show how much he’s grown in twelve months. If he can stay composed against DeMeco Ryans’ defensive schemes, the Patriots have a legitimate shot.
The Injury Report: A Sigh of Relief
The best news for the defense is that Christian Gonzalez is a go. Dealing with a concussion is always scary, but clearing protocol by Friday was the best-case scenario. He’ll be tasked with shadowing the Texans' playmakers, and with Houston missing Nico Collins (concussion), the matchup leans slightly in New England's favor.
However, keep an eye on Harold Landry III. The edge rusher is officially questionable with that nagging knee issue. He didn't practice on Friday, which is never a great sign. The Patriots didn't elevate an extra edge rusher from the practice squad, though, which suggests they think Landry can give it a go or they trust the depth they have with Anfernee Jennings and Elijah Ponder.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Everyone is looking ahead to the AFC Championship against the Broncos because Bo Nix is out and Jarrett Stidham—a former Patriot—is starting. Stop.
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Focusing on next week is a death sentence in the NFL. The Texans just dismantled the Steelers 30-6. They are hungry, and they play a physical style of football that can frustrate a young quarterback. The Patriots' offensive line, led by Mike Onwenu and the rookie Will Campbell, has been much better this year (thank you, Doug Marrone), but they cannot afford a slow start.
If New England can:
- Establish Rhamondre Stevenson early to take the pressure off Maye.
- Win the field position battle (where Alex Austin helps).
- Force C.J. Stroud into third-and-long situations.
Then they’ll be booking flights to Mile High.
Actionable Insights for Fans Today
If you're watching the game or tracking the Patriots breaking news today, here’s what you should be looking for in the first fifteen minutes:
- Watch the Offensive Line Splits: If the Texans are getting immediate pressure on Maye without blitzing, it’s going to be a long afternoon. New England might need to keep a tight end in to chip.
- The Return Game: Watch D'Ernest Johnson. If he can give the offense a short field once or twice, it changes everything for a rookie QB.
- Third Down Defense: The Patriots have been elite at getting off the field this year. If Landry is limited, watch how Vrabel uses his rotational guys like Leonard Taylor III to keep the starters fresh.
The road to the Super Bowl is rarely a straight line. It’s usually messy, loud, and full of moments where you hold your breath. For the first time in a long time, the Patriots are back in the conversation. Enjoy the ride, Foxborough.
Next Steps for Today:
- Monitor the final inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff (1:30 p.m. ET) to see if Harold Landry III is officially active.
- Tune in to CBS at 3:00 p.m. ET for the kickoff at Gillette Stadium.
- Keep an eye on the Denver/Buffalo fallout, as the winner of today's game will officially travel to Denver for the AFC Championship on January 25.