Overview
- Gonzalez took a hard fall during Monday’s team practice while contesting a jump ball and appeared shaken, an event that precedes his recent absences.
- The cornerback missed Tuesday’s joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts and was not at the stadium for the Patriots’ preseason opener on Thursday.
- Coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Gonzalez was “physically unavailable” for practice and said his expectation is that Gonzalez will play in Week 1 if he is healthy.
- Owner Robert Kraft has said the team put a record offer on the table to make Gonzalez the highest‑paid cornerback while the player’s camp is seeking a market‑resetting extension.
- Gonzalez’s prior injury history and continued negotiations raise roster and planning questions for New England and mean the team will watch his recovery and talks closely in the coming days.