Patriots to be without two key defenders against high-powered Bills

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Patriots to be without two key defensive players against high-powered Bills offense

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 2, 2026 1:49 PM ET

Just a season removed from a Super Bowl loss, the New England Patriots have had a tough time getting their campaign going in the right direction.

As if a Week 4 game against the Buffalo Bills wasn't going to be tough enough fully healthy, the Patriots got bad news regarding the game status of two key defensive players in cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive lineman Christian Barmore.

Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore are out on Sunday

According to NFL insider Ari Meirov, both Gonzalez and Barmore have been ruled OUT for Sunday's game against Buffalo.

Gonzalez and Barmore are each dealing with shoulder injuries that forced them to miss each day of practice during the week. It is a tough blow to a New England defense that, despite poor results, has ranked second in yards allowed per game this season.

#Patriots star CB Christian Gonzalez and DT Christian Barmore are both OUT for Sunday vs. the Buffalo Bills.

Both players have shoulder injuries.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 2, 2026

Coach Vrabel provides Patriots injury updates ahead of NE vs. BUF. pic.twitter.com/ON77xXPP7Z
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 2, 2026

Who steps up in the absence of two stars?

Without Gonzalez and Barmore, the Patriots will need solid performances from some unexpected players to have a chance to slow down the Buffalo offense.

Karon Prunty will likely slide into a starting defensive back role, while Leonard Taylor will be the man who slides into Barmore's vacated spot on the defensive line.

It will be an uphill battle for New England's defense to slow down the Buffalo offense without Gonzalez and Barmore. A loss and 1-3 start would raise serious concerns about the remainder of the season for the Patriots.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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