Patriots lose All-Pro CB before season opener against Raiders

Losing Gonzalez is a big blow for the Patriots defense. The 2023 first-round pick has started in all 20 games he's appeared in, recording 76 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three interceptions. Gonzalez previously missed the final 13 games of his rookie season after suffering a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum. 

New England Patriots need two CBs to step up

Per SB Nation's Pats Pulpit (h/t Yahoo Sports), defensive coordinator Terrell Williams praised cornerbacks Alex Austin and Marcus Jones on Thursday as flexible athletes who can take over while Gonzalez recovers.

“They both are great cover guys,” Williams said. “They’re both smart. They both understand who they’re going against as a slot receiver; you don’t play every guy the same way. And they’re different body types. They both play to their strengths, but we feel comfortable with either guy going in there.”

If there is an ideal week for Gonzalez to miss, it's Week 1 against the Raiders. Las Vegas recently lost veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper, who announced his retirement on Thursday. 

Jakobi Meyers is expected to be quarterback Geno Smith's No. 1 receiver on an otherwise unthreatening receiver corps. The disgruntled player recently requested a trade from Las Vegas amid a contract dispute, but his request was not granted.