Overview

• Head coach Mike Vrabel said Monday there is "a chance" the All-Pro cornerback could make his season debut against Pittsburgh.
• Christian Gonzalez has been sidelined since a July 28 hamstring injury and has not practiced or played through the first two weeks.
• The Patriots begin Week 3 practices on Wednesday, with coaches monitoring what Gonzalez can do before making a decision.
• In his absence, Alex Austin has started on the outside, logging 100% of snaps in Week 1 and 82% in Week 2 and allowing 6-of-7 targets for 97 yards and a touchdown versus Miami, per PFF.
• Gonzalez said he is taking his recovery day by day, and if cleared, he could be managed on a snap count and likely see Steelers top receiver DK Metcalf.