‘Wouldn’t Expect Him Here This Week:’ Vrabel Weighs In on Gonzalez’s Road Back
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The Patriots are still without their top defensive back, but head coach Mike Vrabel sounded like the veteran’s outlook moving forward may be better than initially feared.
Vrabel was asked about Gonzalez on Wednesday, and while he didn’t reveal much, things sounded positive that his summer might not be over just yet.
“No updates,” said Vrabel. “I mean, I wouldn’t expect him here this week. And, you know, just like everybody else, I know he’s working extremely hard to get back and focus on what he can do as opposed to what he can’t. But, you know, I wouldn’t expect to see him this week.”
The Patriots got a scare on Monday when the veteran defensive back pulled up lame while covering Stefon Diggs.
Following the play, Gonzalez reached for the back of his leg and signaled to trainers, who assisted him before he eventually walked off the field.
A report from NFL Analyst Jordan Schultz Tuesday essentially said that Gonzalez is expected to miss time, but that he should be available for Week 1. The other question would be whether or not we might see him again before that.
The club has joint practices upcoming against both Washington and Minnesota, and while being back for next week’s battle against the Commanders might not be an option, it sounds like being out there against the Vikings the following week remains in play.
Gonzalez was present on Tuesday but didn’t participate. He had a black sleeve on his left leg, with the veteran watching his teammates work, while also signing some autographs for fans after practice ended. He was also present again on Wednesday, donning the same leg sleeve but not a participant.
Both he and Carlton Davis being absent has left them thin at the position. Vrabel also mentioned Davis when he spoke to reporters on Wednesday, alluding to the fact that the team has a plan in place and they’re just being cautious.
“I mean, I think it’s just making sure that he’s ready to go,” he said of Davis. “It’s a long season, veteran player, you know, there’ll be guys that have different plans.
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