The New England Patriots, and indeed fans received a nasty shock when cornerback Christian Gonzalez was listed on the injury report as “questionable” on Thursday afternoon prior to the team’s bout on Thursday Night Football against the Chicago Bears due to an illness.
“Patriots just downgraded CB Christian Gonzalez to questionable for tonight’s game at Chicago due to an illness.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Thursday.
Christian Gonzalez Active After ‘Questionable’ Designation
Just 90 minutes ahead of kick-off, the Patriots released their inactive list for their Week 7 road trip to Soldier Field, and Gonzalez was not on it, meaning he is active and will suit up against the Bears.
Cornerbacks Carlton Davis, Channing Canada and Karon Prunty; who were already ruled out on Friday’s injury report; are inactive, as with center Ben Brown.
Joshua Farmer, who did not practice the whole week due to a personal issue but was not given a playing designation, is also inactive, with rookie Behren Morton also on the list as the team’s emergency third string QB.
Gonzalez Playing in Week 7 Despite Illness
Gonzalez’s emergence on the report came out of nowhere, but it appears that his illness is not severe enough – unlike that of Joey Porter Jr. back in Week 4 – to keep him out of Thursday’s game at home.
There has been no specific report to-date concerning the nature of the illness he had been dealing with.
The 24-year old has already missed two games this season already due to a shoulder injury. Indeed, a good portion of the season to-date has seen the Patriots be without both starting cornerbacks; him and Davis; and with Davis inactive that will not change in Week 7.
Marcus Jones will likely feature as Gonzalez’s partner in crime on Thursday night as the pair go up against Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, with Charles Woods likely to see action as the nickel.
Patriots Breathe Sigh of Relief on Christian Gonzalez After Late Scare