Christian Gonzalez Injury News & Updates

Gonzalez finished Thursday's 27-14 win over the Jets with five solo tackles and a pass defense.

Gonzalez was one of four Patriots players to play every single defensive snap Thursday, and he tied two other teammates for the most solo tackles in the game. The 2023 first-rounder has posted five stops in six of his last seven games and has 43 tackles (33 solo) and seven pass defenses through eight regular-season games.

Gonzalez logged nine tackles (five solo) and one pass defense during the Patriots' 28-23 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Gonzalez was one of four Patriots defenders to play all 69 defensive snaps Sunday, and he finished tied with Robert Spillane for the second most tackles on the team behind Jack Gibbens (hamstring), who finished with 10 stops. Gonzalez has recorded at least one pass defense in three straight games and is up to 38 tackles (28 solo) and six pass defenses through seven regular-season games.

Gonzalez (concussion) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Gonzalez entered the league's concussion protocol following the Patriots' Week 9 win over the Falcons. He was a full participant in practice all week and has been given the green light to play Sunday after being cleared by an independent neurologist. Gonzalez will likely spend most of Sunday's game shadowing Bucs rookie first-round wideout Emeka Egbuka.

Gonzalez (concussion) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

Gonzalez sustained a concussion during Sunday's game versus the Falcons, but he handled his regular diet of practice reps to begin the Patriots' new week of preparation. He'll still need to officially clear league concussion protocol by Sunday to suit up in Week 10 at Tampa Bay.

Gonzalez (head) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The cornerback had seven tackles (six solo) and two pass breakups at the time of his exit. Alex Austin and Charles Woods are the available backup corners for New England.

Gonzalez (hamstring) is active for Sunday's matchup versus New Orleans.

Gonzalez dealt with a hamstring injury at the end of the week and was deemed questionable on Friday's final injury report. He's ultimately going to play against the Saints, which is a big sigh of relief for the Patriots given Gonzalez's role as one of the league's top cornerbacks. Gonzalez's ability to suit up Sunday is also significant because he missed the first three weeks of the campaign while dealing with a possibly related hamstring issue.

Gonzalez (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

The third-year corner from Oregon popped up on the Patriots' injury report Thursday as a limited practice participant due to a hamstring issue. Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Friday that New England will continue to monitor Gonzalez and likely make a decision on his availability 90 minutes prior to kickoff, making him a true game-time decision, per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. Gonzalez has been one of the best cornerbacks in football since entering the league, recording nine total tackles and one pass defended across just two contests this season. If he's forced to miss the Week 6 matchup, Alex Austin is expected to start opposite Carlton Davis in the Patriots' secondary.

Gonzalez (hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Gonzalez wasn't listed with any injury designation on Wednesday's report, so he appears to have sustained his current hamstring issue during practice. That said, it was a hamstring injury that forced him to miss New England's first three games of the regular season, so it's possible that he's either suffered a setback or is having his reps capped. Gonzalez said after practice Wednesday that Sunday's contest against the Saints "will be a good test," Mark Daniels of MassLive reports.

Gonzalez (hamstring) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Gonzalez, who missed the Patriots' first three regular-season games, is thus slated to reprise his key role in the team's secondary versus Carolina. It remains to be seen if the 2023 first-rounder is eased back into the mix at all, but the return of the cornerback should provide New England's defense with a boost in Week 4, nonetheless. In 16 games last season, Gonzalez recorded 59 tackles and two picks, numbers that kept him on the radar in deeper IDP formats.

Gonzalez (hamstring) is expected to play in the Patriots' matchup versus the Panthers on Sunday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.

Gonzalez is trending towards making his season debut after having missed the first three weeks of the season with a hamstring injury he suffered early on in training camp. If he ends up being able to play, the 23-year-old will provide some much-needed help to a struggling New England secondary that is currently allowing the third most pass yards per game across the entire league.

Gonzalez (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzalez is looking to make his 2025 season debut against Carolina after he took "most of the reps" in practice this week, according to coach Mike Vrabel, via Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Gonzalez would likely see a heavy dose of Tetairoa McMillan (calf) on Sunday if Gonzalez is cleared to play.

Gonzalez (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Gonzalez has missed the first three games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury that he suffered at the beginning of training camp in late July. He returned to practice leading up to the Patriots' Week 3 bout against the Steelers, and Graff relays that Gonzalez is trending towards making his 2025 debut against the Panthers on Sunday.

Gonzalez (hamstring) has been ruled out for New England's matchup versus the Steelers on Sunday.

Gonzalez is now set to miss a third straight game, as he's yet to make his season debut. Alex Austin will serve as one of the team's starting cornerbacks once again, and Gonzalez will look to be good to go for the team's Week 4 matchup versus the Panthers.

Gonzalez (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Gonzalez returned to practice this week for the first time since injuring his hamstring in late July, but it's unclear if he's had enough time to build up to game shape. If Gonzalez isn't able to play against Pittsburgh, a Week 4 return against the Panthers seems likely.

Gonzalez (hamstring) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

It was Gonzalez's first practice action since suffering a hamstring injury very early in training camp. It's unclear if Gonzalez will be able to do enough this week in practice in order to play in Sunday's game against the Steelers, but it does look like he's closing in on a return sooner than later.

Gonzalez (hamstring) will practice Wednesday, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

Gonzalez hasn't practiced since sustaining a hamstring injury in late July, but it now appears he could be nearing a return to in-game action. The Oregon product was one of the NFL's top outside corners in 2024, recording 59 total tackles and 11 passes defended, including two interceptions, over 16 regular-season contests. His practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely be the best indicator of whether he can suit up for New England's Week 3 matchup against the Steelers.

Gonzalez (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Gonzalez was injured in the early days of training camp and has now been sidelined for more than six weeks to this point. His absence is a boost for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle this Sunday.

Gonzalez (hamstring) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Mark Daniels of MassLive reports.

Gonzalez didn't suit up in Week 1 against the Raiders and has yet to practice during the Patriots' preparation for a Week 2 trip to Miami. If New England's top cornerback sits out again, that could be beneficial for the outlooks of Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (shoulder).

Gonzalez (hamstring) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Gonzalez sat out the Patriots' regular-season opener due to a hamstring injury he suffered during training camp, and his availability for Week 2 is now in jeopardy as well. He'll probably have to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to have any chance of playing Sunday at Miami.

The Patriots ruled out Gonzalez (hamstring) for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Gonzalez hasn't practiced since going down with a hamstring strain early on in training camp. With New England down its top cornerback against Las Vegas, Alex Austin, DJ James, Craig Woodson and potentially Charles Woods (concussion) will have to step into elevated roles opposite Carlton Davis.

Gonzalez (hamstring) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzalez could be trending toward a Week 1 absence against the Raiders unless he practices in some capacity Friday. If New England's top cornerback is unavailable Sunday, Alex Austin, Marcus Jones and DJ James would be the top candidates to draw the start on the outside opposite Carlton Davis.

Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that Gonzalez (hamstring) won't practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzalez has not practiced since sustaining a hamstring injury in late July, though he'll work off to the side during Wednesday's session. The third-year corner from Oregon was one of the best in the NFL in 2024, recording 59 total tackles and nine passes defended, including two interceptions, across 16 games. If he's unable to suit up for New England's Week 1 matchup against the Raiders, Alex Austin and Charles Woods are expected to see expanded roles in the secondary.

Gonzalez (hamstring) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.

Gonzalez has not participated in practice since suffering a hamstring injury in late July. A return to practice next week would be a step in the right direction for the 2023 first-rounder, but he would likely need to log multiple practices to have a shot at being ready for Week 1 against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 7. Charles Woods, Alex Austin and Marcus Jones would be the top candidates to start at outside corner opposite Carlton Davis if Gonzalez is not available for the Patriots' regular-season opener.

Coach Mike Vrabel said Monday that Gonzalez (hamstring) will not practice this week and has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason finale against the Giants, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzalez has essentially missed the entirety of training camp and the preseason after going down in one of the team's initial camp practices last month. The Patriots' No. 1 cover corner has a little less than three weeks to get ready for Week 1 against the Raiders on Sept. 7.

Gonzalez (leg) will not participate in practice this week, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Gonzalez doesn't appear a candidate to retake the field in time to play Saturday, Aug. 16 against the Vikings, which will be New England's second preseason game. If that's the case, his final chance to log preseason action will come Thursday, Aug. 21 against the Giants. The 2023 first-round pick is recovering from a left leg injury sustained earlier in training camp.

Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Wednesday that he expects Gonzalez (leg) to be out of practice for the rest of the week, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.

Gonzalez is set to be limited to sideline work with trainers for the rest of the week while recovering from a left leg injury that he suffered during Monday's training camp practice. That does put the 2023 first-rounder on track to be healthy for the Patriots' preseason opener against the Commanders on Aug. 8, though it's unclear how many snaps will play. In Gonzalez's absence, Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial and Marcus Jones should see more work at outside outside corner with the first-team defense.

Gonzalez (leg) did not participate in Tuesday's training camp practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzalez was held out of Tuesday's session after injuring his left leg during team drills Monday. He was spotted near the end of Tuesday's practice with a compression sleeve on his leg, and the Patriots are treating the injury as "day-to-day," per Karen Guregian of MassLive.com. Gonzalez's absence gives Marcus Jones, Alex Austin and Marcellas Dial the opportunity to get more reps at outside corner with the first-team defense.

Gonzalez left Monday's training camp practice due to a left leg injury, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzalez suffered the injury during team drills while covering veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Gonzalez was able to walk to the athletic training tent under his own power but was unable to return, putting his availability over the next few days into question. Alex Austin and Marcus Jones would be slated to see more reps at outside corner if Gonzalez were to be sidelined.

Gonzalez (concussion) was an active participant as the Patriots' OTAs got underway Tuesday, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Gonzalez ended the 2024 campaign on the sidelines with a concussion, but he now appears to be fully healthy ahead of the 2025 season. The cornerback has blossomed into being one of the best at his position in the league, recording 59 total tackles (50 solo), 11 passes defensed, two of which were interceptions, and a fumble recovery over 16 regular-season contests in 2024.

Gonzalez (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Gonzalez was concussed in last Saturday's loss to the Chargers and will miss the season finale after starting the first 16 games of the year. The second-year cornerback wraps up the 2024 campaign with 59 tackles (50 solo), 11 pass breakups, including two interceptions, and one fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown in Week 12 versus Miami.

Gonzalez (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Gonzalez sustained a concussion in the second quarter of New England's Week 17 loss the Chargers, so Wednesday's DNP comes as no surprise. The second-year corner from Oregon likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice participation Thursday or Friday in order to play in the Patriots' regular-season finale against the Bills on Sunday. If Gonzalez is unable to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in time to play in Week 18, Alex Austin will likely see additional snaps with New England's first-team defense.

Gonzalez will not return to Saturday's game versus the Chargers due to a concussion.

The injury occurred during the second quarter of Saturday's contest. Gonzalez recorded one solo tackle before exiting. In his absence, Alex Austin figures to be next in line at cornerback opposite Jonathan Jones, while Marcellas Dial could also see increased snaps.

Gonzalez (shoulder) was deemed active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Gonzalez dealt with a shoulder injury that kept him limited during practice Wednesday through Friday. Nevertheless, the second-year pro will suit up and continue to serve as New England's top cornerback. Across 13 appearances this season, Gonzalez has accrued 55 tackles and eight passes defended, including two interceptions and a pick-six.

Gonzalez (shoulder) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals.

Gonzalez practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week due to a shoulder injury following the Patriots' Week 14 bye. The Oregon product has been productive in his second year in the NFL, recording 55 total tackles and eight passes defended, including two interceptions, in 13 appearances this season. If Gonzalez is sidelined for the first time this season in Week 15, expect Alex Austin to serve as one of the Patriots' top outside cornerbacks.

Gonzalez (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Gonzalez was dealing with a hip injury ahead of the Patriots' Week 14 bye, so this appears to be a new injury for the team's top cornerback. He'll have two more practice days to get in some reps ahead of Sunday's date with Marvin Harrison and the Cardinals.

Gonzalez recorded six tackles (five solo) and an interception during Sunday's 25-24 loss versus the Colts.

Gonzalez sped all the way from one set of numbers to the other to jump in front of an Alec Pierce crossing route in the fourth quarter and collect his second interception of the season in Week 13. He'll be looking to continue to bolster his case for an All-Pro selection after the Patriots' bye in Week 14.

Gonzalez (hip) is active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

The cornerback appeared on the injury report Friday with the hip issue but it was never considered serious. The 2023 first-round pick has 46 tackles (39 solo) and six passes defensed, including an interception, this season.

Gonzalez (hip) is listed as questionable but is considered likely to play in Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Gonzalez didn't appear on the Patriots' Week 12 injury report until he was added Friday due to the hip issue, which limited his participation in Friday's session. The hip injury apparently isn't viewed as a big concern, and if Gonzalez is active for the contest as expected, he likely won't face any restrictions with his snap count. The second-year player is beginning to build a reputation as one of the top cover corners in the league, and his availability for Sunday will be vital as the Patriots look to slow down standout Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.

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.

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.

Gonzalez (shoulder) practiced during OTAs on Monday, Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official site reports.

Gonzalez suffered a season-ending torn labrum Week 4 against the Cowboys last season and was originally uncertain for OTAs. However, the second-year-pro appeared to be a full participant according to Dussault, which is good news for New England's secondary.

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.

Gonzalez (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The 2023 first-round pick out of Oregon had a great start to his career, allowing a 67.5 passer rating when targeted before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Gonzalez's torn labrum will likely give more opportunities to J.C. Jackson and Ameer Speed in New England's secondary.

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.

The shoulder injury is a brutal blow for the Patriots, as Gonzalez, 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.

Gonzalez may have suffered a torn labrum, not a dislocated shoulder, in Sunday's 38-3 loss to the Cowboys, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzalez is still facing a multi-week absence at best and is considered to be out indefinitely. It's also possible the rookie cornerback suffered a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum, as shoulder dislocations often do tear the labrum. The Oregon product was supposed to be undergoing further tests on his shoulder, and a timeline for his return will remain unknown for now.

Gonzalez suffered a dislocated shoulder during Sunday's 38-3 loss to the Cowboys, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Gonzalez suffered the injury in the first quarter and was unable to return to the game. The rookie corner will undergo further tests to determine the severity of the damage, but he's expected to be facing a multi-week absence. The news is certainly a blow to New England's secondary, although it's possible that Jonathan Jones (ankle) could return for Week 5 against the Saints, while Jack Jones (hamstring) is eligible to come off IR and return as well.

Gonzalez (shoulder) will not return against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Gonzalez will miss the remainder of the game after suffering a shoulder injury in the first quarter. Jalen Mills, Shaun Wade, and Myles Bryant have all seen increased playing time in the rookie first-round pick's absence, who will now focus on getting healthy for next week's matchup against New Orleans.

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.

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 this production up against the Jets next week.

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.

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.

Gonzalez (ankle) was seen warming up ahead of Friday's preseason finale in Tennessee, and was seemingly moving around well, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Gonzalez tweaked his ankle at the end of Wednesday's practice, but the injury does not appear to be serious. He will now focus on getting ready for the Patriots' Week 1 matchup against the Eagles. The rookie first-round pick is expected to start at cornerback right away.

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.

The Patriots selected Gonzalez in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 17th overall.

The Patriots moved back from 14 and managed to take advantage of Gonzalez's surprising draft day slide. Devon Witherspoon and Emmanuel Forbes each went off the board ahead of Gonzalez at corner, but Gonzalez is the "toolsiest" corner in this class at 6-foot-1 with 4.38 speed and the length to stick on the boundary. He thrived after transferring from Colorado to Oregon this past season and established himself as a first-round prospect. Look for Gonzalez to challenge for snaps right away opposite Jonathan Jones.