FOXBORO — The Patriots are one step closer to having their top defensive player return to action.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez practiced Wednesday for the first time since injuring his hamstring July 28 in the first week of training camp. He wasn’t a full participant during the portion of practice open to reporters but did participate in some individual drills. Team drills are closed to reporters during the season.
“Excited to be back out there,” Gonzalez said before practice. “I love football. This is what I do. It’s been very challenging to be out for so long. But I’m focused on here and now. So not really too worried about the injury, and not really gonna answer no questions on that. We’re focused on the Steelers.”
Gonzalez wouldn’t confirm if he plans to play Sunday against the Steelers, saying he’s “focused on today” in practice.
Head coach Mike Vrabel answered, “sure” when asked if Gonzalez playing Sunday remains a possibility.
Gonzalez also wouldn’t say if he had a setback during his rehabilitation process but noted that he feels good physically after the time off.
“It’s been it’s been hard. It’s been tough, but it’s part of football,” Gonzalez said. “Everything in football is tough. It’s gonna test you physically, it’s gonna test you mentally. It’s just a part of it.”
The Patriots have missed Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round pick, dearly in the first two weeks of the season, when they’ve ranked dead last in passing yards allowed per game, second in yards allowed per attempt and eighth in passer rating allowed.
Widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, Gonzalez was a Pro Bowl snub last season but was named a second-team All-Pro. He was also a standout in 2023 as a rookie but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4.
When Gonzalez first injured his hamstring in July, it was reported that it wouldn’t impact his Week 1 availability. Vrabel prefers not to give an expected timeframe on players’ injuries. He explained why on Wednesday.
“It could be shorter or it could be longer, and then when it doesn’t meet the timeline, then somebody is going to come back and say, “Well, you said it was going to be two weeks.” I don’t know, so instead of being wrong every single time, I choose to just try not to say a timeline,” Vrabel said. “If they are back in a week, then great. If it takes a couple of weeks, then there we are. That goes for everything.”
Overall, in his career, Gonzalez has allowed 62 catches on 108 targets for 656 yards with two touchdowns, three interceptions and nine pass breakups, per PFF.
Gonzalez’s spot has primarily been filled by Alex Austin, who started opposite starting cornerback Carlton Davis III in Week 1. Marcus Jones started opposite Davis in Week 2 against the Dolphins but moved inside to the slot in three-cornerback sets, when Austin would replace him on the outside.
“That’s gonna be great, man,” Davis said of Gonzalez’s return. “I can’t wait. I’m excited. Been waiting all season for it, so it’s finally here, and yeah, it’s gonna be fun. Make a lot of plays for our defense and help us out a lot in the back end.”
The Patriots’ secondary, which also features Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson starting at safety, will be tested Sunday by wide receiver DK Metcalf, who came to Pittsburgh in a trade with the Seahawks. The big, speedy wideout has seven catches for 103 yards with a touchdown so far this season. Running back Jaylen Warren and tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are also featured targets for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers led the Steelers to a win in Week 1 against the Jets, his former team, and looked like his old self, completing 73.3% of his passes for 244 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He struggled in Week 2 against the Seahawks with a 54.5% completion percentage, one touchdown pass and two interceptions.
