Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez questionable vs. Steelers, will be evaluated ‘closer to the game’
Gonzalez has been out since the end of July with a hamstring injury.
The Patriots’ top defensive player might make their season debut against the Steelers on Sunday.
Christian Gonzalez is listed as questionable to play in Sunday’s game against the Steelers. Mike Vrabel implied that the star cornerback will be a game-time decision.
“We listed him as limited, which means that he did some work, and we’ll still kind of evaluate where he’s at towards closer to the game,” Vrabel told reporters on Friday. “So again, it was good to see him out there. It’s very good to have him out there, and the more guys we can get out there, the better.”
Gonzalez had been sidelined since the end of July with a hamstring injury before returning to practice on Wednesday. In the nearly two months that Gonzalez has been sidelined, there haven’t been many updates about how he is progressing in his injury.
Now, with his return appearing to be imminent, Gonzalez is happy to be getting back on the field. Although, he wasn’t sure if he would be ready to play for Sunday’s game when he spoke with reporters on Wednesday.
“It’s been very challenging to be out for so long. But I’m focused on the here and now,” Gonzalez said. “I’m not really too worried about the injury. I’m not going to answer any questions on that, we’re just focused on the Steelers.”
“It’s been hard,” Gonzalez added. “It’s been tough. But it’s part of football. Everything in football is tough. It’s going to test you physically. It’s going to test you mentally. It’s just a part of it.”
Gonzalez’s return would be a major lift for the Patriots’ defense, regardless of opponent. New England’s pass defense ranks 32nd in the NFL through the first two weeks of the season, with Geno Smith and Tua Tagovailoa each recording 300-plus-yard days against the unit.
Gonzalez emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL last season, earning second-team All-Pro honors. In addition to two interceptions, Gonzalez allowed 46 receptions on 84 targets for just 499 yards and two touchdowns last season, per Pro Football Focus.
Vrabel didn’t say how much Gonzalez would be if he were active for Sunday’s game. If Gonzalez is able to play a full load, though, one would have to imagine he’d line up across Steelers standout wide receiver DK Metcalf. The veteran has seven receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown in his first two games with the Steelers.
Alex Austin and Marcus Jones have largely split the duties in replacing Gonzalez on the outside to start the season, playing alongside Carlton Davis. Austin had the most struggles of those three, allowing nine receptions on 12 targets for 153 yards and a touchdown through the first two games, per PFF.
Beyond Gonzalez, defensive end Keion White (illness) and fullback Jack Westover (hamstring) are the only other Patriots players questionable for Sunday’s game. White missed the Patriots’ Week 2 win over the Dolphins due to the illness.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (non-injury related), defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson (hamstring), edge rusher Harold Landry (foot), and offensive tackle Morgan Moses (foot) are all expected to play after being limited in practice at points this week.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com