FOXBORO — Patriots prime defender Christian Gonzalez will be a part of the group this week for joint practices in Minnesota with the Vikings, however don’t anticipate him to take part.
Gonzalez suffered a hamstring damage late final month throughout coaching camp, and the group has been taking it gradual along with his return the sphere.
“Earlier than you assume I’m being humorous, you’ll most likely see Christian in Minnesota, you gained’t see him on the sphere most likely in a uniform,” head coach Mike Vrabel mentioned Sunday. “See how I did that? You’ll see him in Minnesota, however he most likely gained’t be training this week. As a result of if I didn’t, then it might be like, ‘Oh, he’s –‘. However anyhow, I wished to make clear that.”
Gonzalez is without doubt one of the finest cornerbacks in soccer, so it’s extra vital for him to be prepared Week 1 towards the Raiders than it’s for him to take part in joint practices or preseason video games.
Gonzalez’s fellow beginning cornerback Carlton Davis III returned to observe Sunday and took part in group drills. Vrabel mentioned, “You’ll see him in Minnesota.”
Proper sort out Morgan Moses, whom the group has been easing again onto the sphere this summer time as he recovers from an damage, additionally participated in Sunday’s observe and also will be in Minnesota. Rookie Marcus Bryant began in his place in Friday’s preseason recreation towards the Commanders.
Vrabel mentioned he feels good in regards to the path Moses is on in his restoration.
Extensive receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, a 2024 second-round decide vying for a roster spot, didn’t end Friday’s preseason opener towards the Commanders. He gained’t be touring to Minnesota, per Vrabel.
Patriots broad receivers Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte and rookie Kyle Williams are considered as roster locks. If the Patriots elect to maintain six or seven broad receivers, then Polk can be competing for a spot with fellow 2024 draft decide Javon Baker, veteran Kendrick Bourne and undrafted rookie Efton Chism. Bourne can be coping with an damage, whereas Chism has made a robust push for a roster spot within the final week.
Chism led the Patriots in receptions and receiving yards in Friday’s preseason recreation then adopted that up with a standout efficiency in Sunday’s observe. Baker has etched out a task on particular groups that would assist him lock in a roster spot, as properly.
Additionally lacking from Sunday’s observe have been Patriots working again Rhamondre Stevenson, linebacker Jahlani Tavai, security Josh Minkins and out of doors linebacker Elijah Ponder.
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