Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots’ cornerback, missed his second practice of the week on Thursday, and man, that’s not what you want to see. The guy played 52 out of 59 defensive snaps in Week 3, a solid chunk of action, but he’s battling a shoulder injury now. Given how much they need him, this is a real gut punch for their defense.
Key Defenders Sidelined For Second Straight Day
Gonzalez isn’t alone on the injury report, which is even more concerning. He managed two tackles and a pass breakup in that brutal 35-6 loss to the Jaguars, so you know he’s trying to make plays. But his shoulder is clearly giving him trouble. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, also dealing with a shoulder issue, was also out of practice for the second day straight. You can’t just lose two critical pieces like that, especially after a beatdown like the one they took last week. Right tackle Morgan Moses is out with a foot injury for a second consecutive day, too. That’s three big names missing time from practice, and it definitely raises some alarms.
More Injuries Pile Up Ahead of Bills Matchup
The hits keep coming, unfortunately. Fullback Reggie Gilliam’s knee injury got him downgraded from limited on Wednesday to completely out. And now cornerback Channing Canada just popped up on the report as a limited participant with a hamstring issue. It’s a real laundry list of bumps and bruises for this team. Linebackers Christian Elliss (chest) and Dre’Mont Jones (shoulder) were both limited for a second straight day, same for tight end Eli Raridon (thigh), and safeties Brenden Schooler (back) and Craig Woodson (shoulder). That’s a lot of depth getting hit. The only silver lining in all this? Quarterback Drake Maye, who’s been dealing with a right shoulder issue, remained a full participant. At least the signal-caller looks ready to roll.
This team is going to need every ounce of grit they have when they face the Bills this Sunday. With so many key guys either out or limited, particularly on defense, they’re stepping into a major test. You’ve got to wonder how they’re going to piece things together and try to slow down a Buffalo offense when so many of their defensive playmakers are banged up. It’s going to be a tough one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply