Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez could make season debut vs. CAR

The 1-2 Patriots may very well be getting some main defensive assist in Sunday’s contest in opposition to the Carolina Panthers.

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) is questionable to play in Week 4, the staff introduced Friday.

The 23-year-old defender returned to observe final week main as much as Week 3’s Pittsburgh Steelers recreation, however head coach Mike Vrabel opted to keep him sidelined last Sunday.

Gonzalez has been a restricted participant in observe every day since returning to the sphere on Sept. 17 as he ramps as much as make his 2025 season debut.

The star cornerback suffered the ailment on July 28 and didn’t observe for almost two months. After a prolonged restoration time, it looks like Gonzalez’s probabilities of suiting up versus the Panthers are excessive.

Vrabel was requested by reporters on Friday how Gonzalez appeared throughout observe this week, and gave a constructive response.

“Good. I believe he’s taken a lot of the reps,” Vrabel stated. “I believe he’s continued to get into higher situation and we’ll see how he responds from as we speak, from the velocity work as we speak. After which we’ll go and decide that’s finest for him and finest for the soccer staff.”

New England may have used a participant like Gonzalez by way of the primary three video games of this season. The Patriots are ranked thirtieth within the NFL in passing protection, permitting a mean of 256.3 passing yards per recreation. 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 footwear efficiently.

As for the remainder of New England’s Week 4 damage report, guard Jared Wilson is out on account of ankle/knee accidents. Wilson didn’t observe in any respect this week.

Linebacker Okay’Lavon Chaisson (knee) and guard Mike Onwenu (shoulder) be part of Gonzalez as questionable to play.

A number of gamers have been faraway from this week’s damage report. Defensive deal with Christian Barmore (not damage associated/different), Davis (Achilles), tight finish Hunter Henry (knee), large receiver Mack Hollins (hand), and linebackers Anfernee Jennings (hamstring) and Marte Mapu (neck) have been full contributors throughout Friday’s observe.

As for Carolina, 4 gamers have been dominated out forward of Sunday’s recreation. Notably, WR Xavier Legette (hamstring) won’t play.

Fellow WR Tetairoa McMillan (calf) is questionable to play, in addition to operating again Chuba Hubbard (calf).

Right here is the complete Patriots damage report:

OUT

G Jared Wilson, Ankle/Knee

DOUBTFUL

No gamers listed.

QUESTIONABLE

LB Okay’Lavon Chaisson, Knee
CB Christian Gonzalez, Hamstring
G Mike Onwenu, Shoulder

NO GAME STATUS LISTED

DT Christian Barmore, Not Harm Associated/Different
CB Carlton Davis III, Achilles
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
WR Mack Hollins, Hand
LB Anfernee Jennings, Hamstring
LB Marte Mapu, Neck

Kaley Brown

Sports activities producer

Kaley Brown is a sports activities producer for Boston.com, the place she covers the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Pink Sox.