New England Patriots - NESN.com
Ever since New England Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a hamstring injury in late July, there’s been little indication that he’s been ready to return to the field.
Patriots fans finally learned on Friday that the team will be without the 2023 first-round pick in Week 1 when the team plays the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Not only that, but first-round rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell is being listed as questionable for the contest, after popping up on the injury report on Thursday due to an ankle issue.
“Mike Vrabel rules CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) out for the season opener,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss posted on Bluesky. “Vrabel says LT Will Campbell (ankle) is questionable.”
New England’s defense will be tasked with shutting down All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers on one side, while the offensive line faces Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby on the other end. Without Gonzalez and possibly Campbell, that job will be significantly harder.
Campbell was the Patriots’ first draft pick in April with the fourth overall selection, while Gonzalez is already viewed as the team’s best player in the secondary and arguably their best defender.
The latter finished the 2024 campaign with team highs in passes defended (11) and interceptions (two), while adding 59 tackles across 16 games. Gonzalez earned second team All-Pro honors following the season and was fifth in the AP Comeback Player of the Year voting.
