The New England Patriots kick off their season against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. As the season gets underway, the Patriots are relatively healthy. However, former Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez is still not practicing after suffering a hamstring injury over a month ago.
For the lone Top-100 player on the Patriots, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that he will suit up for the season opener.
During his weekly press conference, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel wouldn’t give any additional information regarding the status of the former All-Pro.
“We’ll continue to work and treat and do everything we can to help him get back out on the field,” Vrabel said. “But he’s doing everything he can to get back out on the field. That’s the only update I have right now.”
It would be a tough loss for the Patriots, who would be forced to reevaluate their game plan. The good news, however, is that the Raiders’ passing attack doesn’t pose too big of a challenge with Amari Cooper and Jakobi Meyers leading the way. Still, Las Vegas does have one of the best tight ends in the league in Brock Bowers.
The Patriots will have veteran Carlton Davis and Alex Austin starting on the outside, with preseason standout DJ James as the first backup off the bench.
Either way, not having Gonzalez would be a major setback, as he recorded 11 pass breakups and two interceptions last season. The former Oregon product is entering a contract year and is due for a massive extension in the offseason.
During his press conference on Wednesday, Vrabel said Gonzalez is doing everything he can to get back on the field and is still participating in off-field preparation.
“I do like where he’s at from an engagement standpoint,” Vrabel said about Gonzalez. “We’ve been through this with other players, and I like where he’s at from that standpoint. In the meetings, locked in, following along at practice, which is difficult. To think that a player that’s not in there can follow along—I’ve been through that as a player and a coach, and I think he’s done a nice job of being able to do that.”
The local media asked Vrabel several direct questions about Gonzalez’s status. After five straight questions, the head coach had enough.
“Please guys, this is the first Wednesday of the season and he’s not going to be at practice. Please use our time as efficiently as we can about our team, the Raiders. I know Christian is a large part of our team, but he’s not going to be out there today, so that’s all I can update you with,” said Vrabel.
For the rest of the injury report, the Patriots were otherwise mostly healthy. However, they did list cornerback Charles Woods as limited with a concussion and a groin injury. Woods was recently claimed off waivers after the 53-man roster was assembled last Tuesday.
The good news is veteran receiver Stefon Diggs wasn’t on the injury report and will be ready for Week 1. Diggs tore his ACL 10 months ago but has recovered well and is expected to be fully available on Sunday.
For the Raiders, all 53 active players practiced, with only cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (hamstring) and quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) listed on the injury report. However, both were full participants.
The New England Patriots kick off at 1:00 p.m. at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. This week’s game will be broadcast by CBS and can be seen locally on WBZ-TV Channel 4.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
