"Although there was some hope that Christian Gonzalez would return to Patriots practice last week since he was on the sideline for their season opener against the Raiders, the cornerback did not return and was ruled out of their Week 2 contest against the Dolphins days before they headed to Miami."
"Serving in Gonzalez's place as a starter is Alex Austin, a young player who had an impressive season in 2024 to earn the right to take over in the Pro Bowler's absence. He looked far from the player they needed during the Dolphins' second drive, as he allowed an 18-yard touchdown to Jaylen Waddle, bringing Miami closer to the Patriots' leading score."
"The hope is he will be able to return sooner rather than later, but Mike Vrabel hasn't provided much of an update on what is really going on with his hamstring. The assumption is that he has suffered a setback and that's why he has been unable to practice with the team since July 28, but no clarity has been given to settle the debate."
Christian Gonzalez remains sidelined with a hamstring issue and was ruled out of Week 2 against the Dolphins after appearing on the sideline for the season opener. The Patriots have lacked their shutdown cornerback since he stopped practicing on July 28, and coaching staff have provided little clarity on the status beyond assumptions of a setback. Rookie starter Alex Austin, promoted in Gonzalez's absence, allowed an 18-yard touchdown to Jaylen Waddle, exemplifying the secondary's struggles. The Patriots' defense allowed multiple 20-plus-yard completions last week and would be significantly stronger with Gonzalez back.
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