Patriots
Gonzalez has not practiced since July 28 due to a hamstring injury.
The Patriots’ defense will be without one of its top cornerbacks for a second straight week to begin the 2025 season.
Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) along with defensive end Keion White (illness) were both ruled out of Sunday’s Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins, per New England’s injury report released Friday afternoon.
Gonzalez did not play Week 1 versus the Las Vegas Raiders, a game that resulted in a 20-13 Patriots loss. The 23-year-old suffered the hamstring injury during training camp in late July, and has not practiced since July 28.
Head coach Mike Vrabel did not provide an update on Gonzalez’s recovery while speaking with the media Friday. However, he did speak about the player’s health status during Wednesday’s media availability.
“He’s continuing to improve, which is positive, and working hard, but I don’t think we’ll see him today on the practice field,” Vrabel said earlier this week. “So again, just working hard and keep improving, staying engaged, still preparing as a starter, asking questions in the meetings and all those things. So, that’s where we’re at today.”
As for White, he did play last week, but was on the field for 46 percent of all defensive snaps (29) and 31 percent of special teams snaps (nine), according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. The 26-year-old recorded one solo tackle and two combined tackles versus the Raiders.
Vrabel was asked if he thinks White’s illness could be a long-term concern, but declined to go into detail.
“He’ll just be out for Sunday, I’m not going to speculate on what could happen after that,” Vrabel said.
Two other players were deemed questionable to play Sunday. Linebacker Marte Mapu (neck) and offensive tackle Morgan Moses (foot) find themselves with a 50-50 shot to suit up in Miami.
Mapu logged two tackles as solely a special teamer last week. Moses played 100 percent of offensive snaps at right tackle in front of quarterback Drake Maye against Las Vegas. Moses, 34, received a 57.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus following his Week 1 performance. He allowed zero sacks and accrued no penalties.
If Moses doesn’t play versus the Dolphins, Vrabel said either Marcus Bryant or Vederian Lowe could fill his spot.
“I would say going backwards, yeah, you could see a possible rotation anywhere to try to create that balance of guys that are playing with some energy, some effort and the things that you need to do to be able to strain and win a football game,” Vrabel said. “Marcus would be the first one in. Vederian has worked hard throughout the spring and training camp to get back, was active last week, so he would be, again, an option as well.”
Several Patriots were full participants during Friday’s practice, which means they are healthy and able to play Sunday. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (not injury related/other), wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (shoulder) LBs Christian Elliss (shoulder) and Harold Landry III (foot), and CB Charles Woods (groin) round out that category for New England.
For Miami, tight end Darren Waller (hip) was ruled out. WR Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) was cleared to play.
Here is the full Patriots injury report:
OUT
CB Christian Gonzalez, Hamstring (did not participate)
DE Keion White, Illness (DNP)
DOUBTFUL
No players listed
QUESTIONABLE
LB Marte Mapu, Neck (limited participant)
T Morgan Moses, Foot (LP)
REMOVED FROM LIST
DT Christian Barmore (full participant), WR Kayshon Boutte (FP), LB Christian Elliss (FP), LB Harold Landry III (FP), CB Charles Woods (FP)
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