Gonzalez (hip) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.
The second-year pro from Oregon popped up on the Patriots' injury report Friday as a limited participant due to a calf injury, putting his Week 12 status in doubt. Gonzalez's potential absence could significantly impact a Patriots defense that may already be without both of its top safeties, Marte Mapu (neck) and Kyle Dugger (ankle). If Gonzalez is unable to play through the issue Sunday, expect Alex Austin to see increased work as one of New England's top outsider corners.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Records first INT in Week 5 loss
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Gonzalez recorded six tackles (six solo) and two pass breakups, including one interception, in the Patriots' loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
Gonzalez picked off Tyler Huntley on a pass intended for Odell Beckham in the first quarter. It was Gonzalez's first interception of the season and the second of his career after he appeared in just four games as a 2023 first-round rookie. On the season, Gonzalez has 23 tackles (21 solo) and three pass breakups, including the one interception, through five contests.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Returns to field
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Gonzalez (shoulder) practiced during OTAs on Monday, Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official site reports.
Gonzalez suffered a season-ending torn labrum in Week 4 against the Cowboys last season and was originally uncertain for OTAs. However, the second-year-pro appeared to be a full participant, which is good news for New England's secondary.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Recovering well, unsure for OTAs
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Gonzalez (shoulder) said Tuesday he feels "healthy" but is unsure how much he'll participate in OTAs, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.
Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round pick, had a strong start to his career before suffering a season-ending right torn labrum in just Week 4. Per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Gonzalez is still rehabbing and focusing on strengthening his shoulder, so it sounds like he may be a limited participant at best when OTAs kick off May 20. Barring any setbacks, there are no concerns about Gonzalez gaining full medical clearance in advance of the 2024 regular season, and returning to a starting role at cornerback.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Likely done for season
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Gonzalez will undergo surgery in the near future to address the torn labrum and dislocated right shoulder he sustained in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys and is likely to miss the remainder of the season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Gonzalez's expected long-term absence is a brutal loss for the Patriots, as the No. 17 overall pick in April's draft had already gotten off to a strong start to his career with 17 tackles, one sack, three pass breakups and an interception through his first four games. In the coming days, Gonzalez will likely become the fourth Patriots cornerback to hit injured reserve, joining Marcus Jones (shoulder), Jack Jones (hamstring) and Isaiah Bolden (concussion). To address their depleted depth in the secondary, the Patriots struck a deal with the Chargers on Wednesday to acquire veteran J.C. Jackson, who recorded 25 interceptions with New England from 2018 through 2021 but struggled during his one-plus seasons in Los Angeles.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Suffers shoulder injury Sunday
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Gonzalez is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Dallas due to a shoulder injury.
Gonzalez recorded one tackle before leaving the game. Jonathan Jones (ankle) is inactive, so New England has only three healthy cornerbacks if Gonzalez can't return. Jalen Mills, Shaun Wade and Myles Bryant are all candidates for increased snaps.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Productive in loss
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Gonzalez recorded six tackles (six solo) and a pass deflection in New England's 24-17 loss to Miami on Sunday.
Gonzalez finished tied for second on the team in tackles while also playing all 63 defensive snaps. The rookie first-round pick has looked impressive across his first two career games, logging 13 tackles, two pass deflections and a sack, and will look to keep up this production against the Jets next week.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Impressive in NFL debut
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Gonzalez recorded seven tackles, a pass defensed and a sack in Sunday's 25-20 loss versus the Eagles.
At least early, it appears the Patriots have hit on the 17th overall pick of the 2023 Draft. He nearly came away with an interception on a crucial fourth down with two minutes remaining, but a great rep against DeVonta Smith still gave New England a chance to win the game even though Gonzalez couldn't quite convert the turnover. He'll get another tough test in Week 2 versus Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and the Dolphins.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Looks healthy in practice
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Gonzalez (ankle) moved without limitations in practice Wednesday, suggesting that he's over the ankle injury he suffered in practice last week, Mik Reiss of ESPN reports.
Gonzalez got hurt near the end of practice last Wednesday, but he was able to warm up for Friday's preseason finale and looks to be back to full health at this point. The rookie first-round pick is expected to occupy a starting role in New England's secondary from the get-go in the regular season.
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Patriots' Christian Gonzalez: Suffers apparent ankle injury
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Gonzalez (ankle) departed Wednesday's practice early due to an apparent injury, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.
Gonzalez suffered what looked like an ankle or lower leg injury near the end of New England's practice Wednesday. The Patriots haven't yet offered further details on the rookie first-round pick's health, but at the very least he now looks like a likely candidate to sit out Friday's preseason finale against the Titans.
