Christian Gonzalez is likely to have his promising rookie season cut short
Christian Gonzalez got off to an excellent start in his first four games with the New England Patriots, but the cornerback’s rookie season sounds headed for an early end.
According to The trade for JC Jackson was necessary because… #Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez, who would have been a candidate for defensive rookie of the year, is likely to miss the rest of the 2023 season with a torn labrum from a dislocated shoulder on Sunday, sources say. Surgery soon. pic.twitter.com/97usulsG6N
The Patriots made a trade to bring back cornerback J.C. Jackson from the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday, a move Rapoport described as “necessary” with Gonzalez’s season likely over. The Patriots are dealing with several injuries at cornerback beyond just Gonzalez. Jack Jones and Marcus Jones remain on injured reserve, while Jonathan Jones has missed the last three games.
Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (6) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
With Jackson’s return to New England, the Patriots’ projected cornerbacks for this Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints are Jackson, Myles Bryant, and Shaun Wade. Jalen Mills is a candidate to play more corner, while the Patriots still have cornerbacks Breon Borders and Azizi Hearn on the practice squad.
It’s been a devastating week for injury news in Foxboro. In addition to Gonzalez likely being done, linebacker Matthew Judon is undergoing surgery to repair a torn bicep and is a long shot to return this season. Jack Jones is eligible to be activated from IR starting this week, but there’s been no indication that his return is imminent.
Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content here.
Patriots have five players eligible to return from IR or PUP this week
WR Tyquan Thornton (IR)
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (11) during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots’ second-round pick in last year’s draft, Thornton suffered an undisclosed shoulder injury during joint practices with the Green Bay Packers in August. This is the second year in a row he’s missed the start of the season on IR.
Initial reporting following Thornton’s injury suggested he was “not anticipated being out for long.” In an offense that’s lacking explosiveness right now, his speed could be helpful if he gets back in the wide receiver rotation.
OL Riley Reiff (IR)
Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots offensive tackle Riley Reiff (74) works with a weight bag during 2023 training camp. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Reiff was the Patriots’ biggest offensive line addition this offseason, but struggled at right tackle early in training camp. A few weeks in he kicked inside to right guard, where things looked a lot better before he injured his knee in the preseason finale.
There hasn’t been much reported on Reiff’s status, or his timeframe to return. If he is healthy though, the Patriots certainly could use offensive line help right now, both at tackle and guard.
CB Jack Jones (IR)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: Jack Jones #13 of the New England Patriots reacts after a tackle during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
With Christian Gonzalez injuring his shoulder on Sunday, the Patriots’ cornerback depth is now razor thin. Jonathan Jones has missed the last three games, with Jack Jones and Marcus Jones still on IR (Marcus Jones isn’t eligible to return until next week, but is expected to miss more time).
Jack Jones returning certainly would be a huge boost to the secondary right now, but it might not be in the cards. ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote on Sunday that “some around the team were targeting midseason as a more likely timetable” for Jones to return. Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury that he suffered in practice leading up to Week 1.
DL Trey Flowers (PUP)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 18: Trey Flowers #90 of the Detroit Lions lines up during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 18, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
The Patriots signed Flowers in early August, and almost immediately put him on PUP with an undisclosed injury. Still, Flowers has been around the team, including being present at (but not participating in) a handful of practices throughout the summer.
It’s tough to tell where Flowers stands in terms of being ready to play. However, with Matthew Judon now expected to miss time, depth on the defensive line certainly is a need for the Patriots.
ST Cody Davis (PUP)
Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Cody Davis (22) at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Davis is still recovering from a significant knee injury he suffered last October. While Davis remains around the team, there hasn’t been any reporting to suggest a return is close.
