Christian Gonzalez ruled out for New England Patriots’ Week 1 game vs Las Vegas Raiders

Christian Gonzalez, the top cornerback for the New England Patriots, will not play in the team’s first game of the season. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed on Friday, September 5, that Gonzalez is out for Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders because of a hamstring injury.

The game will take place on Sunday in Las Vegas. Gonzalez, who is 23 years old, has not practiced since July 28, when he left training camp with pain in his left hamstring.

Christian Gonzalez injury forces New England Patriots to turn to Alex Austin and Carlton Davis III

The Patriots will now depend on third-year cornerback Alex Austin and veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III to cover the Raiders’ passing attack. Vrabel said Austin will start in place of Gonzalez. Gonzalez had been seen earlier this week riding a stationary bike during Wednesday’s practice in Foxborough, Massachusetts, telling reporter Phil Perry that he is “working” to come back.

But his return is not happening in time for Sunday’s opener.

Christian Gonzalez’s absence is a major loss for New England’s defence. The Patriots are up against a Raiders offence led by quarterback Geno Smith, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, and rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Smith joined the Raiders this offseason, and Meyers is a former Patriots player now set to face his old team.Analyst Phil Perry wrote in his Week 1 preview that Davis may be asked to handle the Raiders’ top receiver, but Bowers will still be a challenge because he can both catch and block. Perry noted, “With Gonzalez trending toward not playing, the Patriots could turn to No.

2 corner Carlton Davis to limit the Raiders’ best pass-catcher … but then Bowers would pose problems as a run-blocker.”Also Read: Unseen Footage Exposes Dak Prescott Spit Before Jalen Carter Shock Ejection Shakes NFL In Cowboys Vs Eagles Clash

Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams face tough decisions against Brock Bowers and Raiders offence

Head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams now have to adjust their game plan. Without Christian Gonzalez, they will need to decide how to match up against the Raiders’ new rookie star Brock Bowers, who can line up in many spots on the field. Perry described Bowers’ playing style as versatile, meaning he can stretch defences in several ways.The Patriots also have injury worries on offence. Rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell was limited in Thursday’s practice with an ankle issue. On Friday, September 5, he joined the team for a walkthrough session in Foxborough but is still listed as questionable for Sunday.The Patriots will kick off their season on Sunday, September 7, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Missing their best young defender in Christian Gonzalez makes the job harder, but the team will now look to Alex Austin, Carlton Davis, and the rest of the defence to slow down the Raiders’ passing game.