The Patriots may have left Buffalo with a thrilling Week 4 win, but the injury picture at cornerback is turning into a real problem ahead of Week 5.
Christian Gonzalez sat out his fifth straight practice on Thursday because of a shoulder injury, according to Patriots reporter Mark Daniels. That puts his status for Sunday against the Raiders in serious doubt.
Gonzalez hurt the shoulder in Week 3 against the Jaguars after delivering a physical tackle in the first quarter. He then missed Week 4 and has now stacked up multiple missed practices heading into the next game. At this point, the signs point toward another absence.
The 24-year-old cornerback signed a $135 million contract extension just before the regular season began and has been productive when on the field. Through a little more than two games this season, he has totaled eight tackles and five passes defensed.
If Gonzalez can’t go, New England’s secondary could be stretched thin. Carlton Davis III was out Wednesday with a neck issue, and Karon Prunty also missed practice because of a hamstring injury. Marcus Jones is the only Patriots cornerback who is not banged up in some way, shape, or form.
There is still one more injury report to watch on Friday, but the outlook for Gonzalez does not look encouraging.
The Patriots will try to build on their momentum from the win over Buffalo when they host the Raiders at 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 11 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
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