FOXBORO — Four days out from the Patriots’ regular-season opener, Christian Gonzalez still was not ready to return to the field.
New England’s star cornerback missed practice again Wednesday, further clouding his status for Sunday’s Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium.
“He’s continuing to work, and he’ll do some stuff on the side,” head coach Mike Vrabel said before practice. “I’m not going to rule anybody out (for Sunday). … We’ll continue to work and treat and make sure that we’re doing everything that we can to help him and he’s doing everything that he can to get back on the field. That’s the only update that I have right now.”
Gonzalez, a second-team All-Pro last season, injured his hamstring on July 28 and has not practiced since. He has been present at most practices, including the Patriots’ joint sessions in Minnesota last month, and Vrabel said he’s remained attentive during his recovery.
“I do like where he’s at from an engagement standpoint,” he said. “We’ve been through this with other players, and I like where he’s at from that standpoint. In the meetings, locked in. Following along at practice, which is difficult, to think that a player that’s not in there can follow along. I’ve been through that as a player and a coach, and I think he’s done a nice job of being able to do that.”
Vrabel would not say whether the team has considered placing Gonzalez on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games.
“He just won’t be out there today,” he said. “I can’t tell you much other than that.”
The Patriots are relying on Gonzalez to be a pillar of their new-look defense this season. New England’s starting cornerback duo of him and offseason signing Carlton Davis has the potential to be one of the NFL’s best if healthy.
If Gonzalez cannot return in time for this weekend’s game against the Raiders — whose passing attack is headlined by veteran quarterback Geno Smith, first-team All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and former Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers — Alex Austin would be his likely replacement opposite Davis.
After fielding a series of questions about Gonzalez’s status to open his news conference, Vrabel advised reporters to “use (their) time as efficiently as we can” and move on to other topics.
“I know Christian is a large part of our team,” the coach said, “but he’s not going to be out there today, and that’s all I can update you with.”
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