Head coach Mike Vrabel announced on Friday that Patriots starting cornerback Christian Gonzalez will not play in Sunday’s season opener against the Raiders due to a hamstring injury. The news comes as the team prepares for its first game of the 2023 NFL season, with Gonzalez expected to be sidelined for at least a week. The injury is a setback for the Patriots, who are looking to make a strong start to the season.
Vrabel indicated that the team will have to rely on its depth at the cornerback position to compensate for Gonzalez’s absence. Other corners such as Jonathan Jones and Jalen Mills are expected to see increased playing time in his place. Despite the injury, the Patriots remain confident in their defensive capabilities and are hopeful that Gonzalez will be ready for future games.