New England Patriots
Gonzalez (hamstring) returned to practice last week, but head coach Mike Vrabel ultimately made the decision to keep him out of Week 3’s matchup with the Steelers.
The 1-2 Patriots could be getting some major defensive help in Sunday’s contest against the Carolina Panthers.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) is questionable to play in Week 4, the team announced Friday.
The 23-year-old defender returned to practice last week leading up to Week 3’s Pittsburgh Steelers game, but head coach Mike Vrabel opted to keep him sidelined last Sunday.
Gonzalez has been a limited participant in practice each day since returning to the field on Sept. 17 as he ramps up to make his 2025 season debut.
The star cornerback suffered the ailment on July 28 and did not practice for nearly two months. After a lengthy recovery time, it seems like Gonzalez’s chances of suiting up versus the Panthers are high.
Vrabel was asked by reporters on Friday how Gonzalez looked during practice this week, and gave a positive response.
“Good. I think he’s taken most of the reps,” Vrabel said. “I think he’s continued to get into better condition and we’ll see how he responds from today, from the speed work today. And then we’ll go and make a decision that is best for him and best for the football team.”
New England could have used a player like Gonzalez through the first three games of this season. The Patriots are ranked 30th in the NFL in passing defense, allowing an average of 256.3 passing yards per game. CBs Alex Austin and Carlton Davis III have been shredded by quarterbacks in losses (LVR’s Geno Smith and PIT’s Aaron Rodgers), unable to fill Gonzalez’s shoes successfully.
As for the rest of New England’s Week 4 injury report, guard Jared Wilson is out due to ankle/knee injuries. Wilson did not practice at all this week.
Linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (knee) and guard Mike Onwenu (shoulder) join Gonzalez as questionable to play.
Several players were removed from this week’s injury report. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (not injury related/other), Davis (Achilles), tight end Hunter Henry (knee), wide receiver Mack Hollins (hand), and linebackers Anfernee Jennings (hamstring) and Marte Mapu (neck) were full participants during Friday’s practice.
As for Carolina, four players were ruled out ahead of Sunday’s game. Notably, WR Xavier Legette (hamstring) will not play.
Fellow WR Tetairoa McMillan (calf) is questionable to play, as well as running back Chuba Hubbard (calf).
Here is the full Patriots injury report:
OUT
G Jared Wilson, Ankle/Knee
DOUBTFUL
No players listed.
QUESTIONABLE
LB K’Lavon Chaisson, Knee
CB Christian Gonzalez, Hamstring
G Mike Onwenu, Shoulder
NO GAME STATUS LISTED
DT Christian Barmore, Not Injury Related/Other
CB Carlton Davis III, Achilles
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
WR Mack Hollins, Hand
LB Anfernee Jennings, Hamstring
LB Marte Mapu, Neck
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