Patriots Give Christian Gonzalez Status Update

FOXBOROUGH, MA. — Are the New England Patriots close to welcoming second-team All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez back to the playing field?

As the Pats turn their attention to their Week 3 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gonzalez’s health and practice status remain perhaps the most pressing question surrounding the team. The former Oregon standout has been sidelined from on-field action since suffering a hamstring injury during the team’s fifth training camp practice on July 28 — including missing New England’s first two games of the 2025 NFL season.

Though a recent series of cryptic updates have provided more than a glimmer of hope for Gonzalez’s imminent return, the 23-year-old appeared on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” to set the record straight on his current situation … or, so it seemed.

“We just going day-by-day with taking it [one] step at a time,” Gonzalez 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.”

With Gonzalez out for the Patriots’ 33-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2, the Pats started cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Alex Austin along the boundaries. Both Marcus Jones and Charles Woods — who was removed from the injury report last week, after being previously listed with a groin injury — assumed the duties in nickel packages and in the slot. While New England was able to secure their first win of the season, the defenisve backfield struggled without its star in the lineup.

Despite his prowess in the slot, Jones was given an increased workload to help neutralize the speedy Dolphins’ tandem of receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. When the Pats attempted to play man coverage — primary with Austin — both Hill and Waddle found room to get separation and make plays. Despite the near complete-game effort of Carlton Davis (56 snaps,) the Pats clearly need Gonzalez back in the lineup as soon as possible.

Gonzalez originally injured his hamstring while attempting to cover receiver Stefon Diggs on a crossing route when he began favoring his left leg. He walked carefully, under his own power, to the medical shed adjacent to the practice fields where he was attended to by members of the Patriots’ training staff, and did not return to practice after his departure.