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5d ago

Patriots Rule Out Christian Gonzalez for Week 1, Will Campbell Questionable

Coaches plan to stick with their scheme, leaning on Alex Austin, Marcus Jones and D.J. James at corner.

Kylie Kelce, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 28: Christian Gonzalez #0 of the New England Patriots takes the field for training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
New England Patriots to face Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) works out at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Overview

  • Head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez will not play against the Raiders after missing all practices since a July 28 hamstring injury.
  • Rookie left tackle Will Campbell was added to the report with an ankle issue and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s opener.
  • Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams said the team will “call our defense,” with Alex Austin expected to step in outside, Marcus Jones in the slot and D.J. James in the mix.
  • The defense was built to feature heavy man-to-man “cat coverage” with Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, and multiple reports indicate the plan could shift toward more help and flexibility without Gonzalez.
  • Vrabel confirmed Stefon Diggs has been cleared to play, giving rookie quarterback Drake Maye a top target as New England monitors Campbell’s status against Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ rush.