New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has been ruled out for the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was initially listed as questionable after being limited throughout the week, but the Patriots downgraded him to out.
Gonzalez had been sidelined since July 28 with a hamstring injury. Talking with Patriots reporters after practice this week, Gonzalez left the door open to him missing the game, and now he will.
“It’s been very challenging to be out for so long. But I’m focused on the here and now,”Gonzalez said, via MassLive. “I’m not really too worried about the injury. I’m not going to answer any questions on that, we’re just focused on Steelers.”
He is coming off an elite season where he was one of the best cornerbacks in football and selected as a Second-Team All-Pro.
That career season vaulted Gonzalez into superstardom, and in 16 games a season ago he had 11 pass deflections and two interceptions while allowing the third-lowest passer rating when targeted in the entire NFL.
Without Gonzalez, that would be an ideal environment for the Steelers to try and get DK Metcalf going against the other Patriots cornerbacks.
“It’s been tough having to watch, but I’m excited to get out there and run around and get back to playing ball,” Gonzalez said.
Without Gonzalez, the Steelers will see Carlton Davis face Metcalf for most of those snaps.