Pats Pulpit
For the first time since injuring his hamstring on July 28, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez publicly addressed his recovery.
Appearing on Good Morning Football Tuesday as part of Latino Heritage Month, Gonzalez shared he continues to take the injury day by day.
“We just going day-by-day with taking it [one] step at a time,” he said. “Just being in the building, sitting in the meetings, doing what I can. So it’s been stressful but it’s all for a reason. So going day at a time.”
Gonzalez, a second-team All-Pro last season, has not practiced since pulling up lame while covering Stefon Diggs on a crossing route in training camp.
Asked if Gonzalez could potentially make his season debut this Sunday against the Steelers, head coach Mike Vrabel left the door just slightly open.
“It’s a chance. I mean, there’s a chance that a lot of things could happen, and it’s Monday, we’ll figure out how he progresses along the week, we’ll see what he can do and have him do what he can do,” he said. “He’s continuing to improve, working hard and trying to get back.”
With their top cornerback sidelined to start the regular season, New England’s secondary has allowed a league-high 677 passing yards through two weeks.
In Gonzalez’s place, third-year cornerback Alex Austin has been the top option opposite of Carlton Davis III with Marcus Jones in the slot. After playing every defensive snap in Week 1, Austin played 82 percent of the defensive snaps in Miami where he struggled with Miami’s speed.
The Patriots will now hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday, where Gonzalez’s availability will headline the session.
