The New England Patriots did well to pick up their first win of the season in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins, with the final score settling in at 33-27. With Mike Vrabel taking over as the team’s new head coach over the offseason, it was his first victory in charge of the team he spent eight years with during his playing career.
Winning is always nice, but the Patriots have some areas on their roster that they need to clean up. After getting torched by Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins‘ passing attack, New England could use some help in the secondary. That could come with the return of injured cornerback Christian Gonzalez, and on Wednesday, Vrabel shared some major news regarding Gonzalez’s quest to get back on the field.
Christian Gonzalez Set to Return to Practice for Patriots
The Patriots selected Gonzalez with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he immediately showed off his talent, earning a starting job on the team’s defense right out of the gate. He only lasted four games in his rookie season, though, as he suffered a shoulder injury that ended his year prematurely.
Gonzalez returned to action last season and was one of the few bright spots for New England. In 16 games, Gonzalez racked up 59 tackles, two interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and one touchdown, which came courtesy of a 63-yard fumble recovery. Those strong numbers earned Gonzalez a spot on the All-Pro Second Team and a fifth-place finish in the Comeback Player of the Year race.
Over the offseason, the Pats spent big to sign Carlton Davis III in free agency, giving the defense a pair of shutdown man corners. The problem is that Gonzalez has not practiced since late July after picking up a hamstring injury during training camp. According to Vrabel, that is set to change, as Gonzalez will return to the practice field on Wednesday.
Patriots star CB Christian Gonzalez, out since the preseason with a hamstring injury, is set to practice today, per coach Mike Vrabel,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network shared in a post on X.
Christian Gonzalez Takes Big Step Towards Returning for Patriots
Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty ImagesFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 01: Christian Gonzalez #0 of the New England Patriots reacts after a pass break up in the fourth quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Without Gonzalez, the Patriots‘ secondary has struggled to open the season. The team’s new defensive scheme is built around playing heavy amounts of man coverage, which frees up the rest of the defense to make plays. However, the team has been forced to play more zone coverage than they would like to open the season, with Gonzalez’s fill-in, Alex Austin, getting picked on frequently.
Considering how long he’s been off the field, New England is going to play it safe with Gonzalez as he works his way back into the action. After missing the first two games of the season, though, it appears the All-Pro corner has a real shot of suiting up in Week 3. The Patriots will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, and all eyes will be on Gonzalez as the week unfolds to see if he can get himself ready in time for this game.
Patriots’ Head Coach Mike Vrabel Issues Major Christian Gonzalez Injury Announcement