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Patriots Get Worst Possible News On Injured CB

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 6:01 PM ET

The New England Patriots suffered a brutal injury blow in training camp.

Marcellas Dial Jr. was carted off the field during Monday's practice, and a report confirmed the worst-case scenario. Dial tore his ACL, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

The 24-year-old will presumably miss his entire second season after appearing in all 17 games as a rookie. Dial saw most of his action on special teams, tallying 12 tackles and a forced fumble.

New England selected Dial with the No. 180 pick out of South Carolina last year. He played 55 of his 60 defensive snaps in a Week 18 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

Losing Dial hurts a Patriots secondary facing more concerns atop the depth chart.

New England Patriots cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr. (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 15, 2024.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Christian Gonzalez remains absent from practice after suffering a reported hamstring injury last week. The second-team All-Pro cornerback is not expected to miss the start of the regular season, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Gonzalez missed all but four games of his rookie season with a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum. The first-round pick returned to anchor New England's defense with 11 pass breakups and two interceptions in 2024.

New England bolstered the cornerback position by signing Carlton Davis III to a three-year, $60 million contract. The 28-year-old has missed most of training camp before returning to Monday's walkthrough.

Diaz can no longer earn a rotational role in a unit also featuring seventh-round picks Alex Austin, Kobee Minor, and Isaiah Bolden. Nickel cornerback Marcus Jones also returns to Foxborough for his fourth season.

The Patriots ranked 23rd in passing defense last season, allowing a 64.9 percent completion rate with just seven interceptions. New England went 4-13 for the second straight season but enters 2025 with higher hopes behind new head coach Mike Vrabel and an upgraded roster welcoming Stefon Diggs, Milton Williams, and Harold Landry III.

Vrabel's squad already lost a key contributor before Friday's first preseason game against the Washington Commanders. The Patriots open the regular season by hosting Tom Brady's Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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