Christian Gonzalez injury: When will the Patriots’ rookie CB return in the NFL?

Gonzalez played all 4 games for the Patriots in 2023

Christian Gonzalez injury: When will the Patriots’ rookie CB return in the NFL?

Patriots rookie Christain Gonzalez at 2023 Draft (Image via ESPN)

The New England Patriots are in deep trouble. Not only are they 1-3 after four games, but they are also hit with serious injury issues. The latest to fall prey is their rookie cornerback, Christian Gonzalez.

Selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Gonzalez had to come off early in the first quarter during the Dallas Cowboys game. The 21-year-old came out second-best while tackling Dallas running back Tony Pollard. As luck would have it for the Patriots, Myles Bryant, who replaced Gonzalez, surrendered a 20-yard touchdown reception to receiver CeeDee Lamb.

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After the preliminary examination, the doctors concluded that Christian Gonzalez had suffered a torn labrum from a dislocated shoulder. Later, NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the Oregon alumnus would miss the rest of the season.

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The Patriots acquire J.C. Jackson to cover for Christian Gonzalez

It’s all hands on deck at this point for Bill Belichick. Not only did he lose by the worst point margin ever, but also his legacy as one of the best-ever coaches is thrown into contention. For now, he and the Patriots front office had to make a quick decision about finding a cover for Christian Gonzalez.

Christian Gonzalez injury: When will the Patriots’ rookie CB return in the NFL?
Gonzalez played college football for the Oregon Ducks (Image via FOX)

Finding a good defensive back is crucial for the New England franchise. Considering they will be facing the likes of Chris Olave, Davante Adams, and Stefon Diggs in the coming weeks, it’s imperative they include someone with experience. It seems they may have addressed that.

According to Rapoport, they resigned former player J.C. Jackson from the Los Angeles Chargers. Jackson went undrafted in 2018, and the Patriots added him to their practice squad. He spent four seasons at Foxborough, winning a Super Bowl before moving to LA. The 27-year-old reportedly signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Chargers. ESPN reported that they are currently in the process of reshuffling the remaining $9.33 million in salary owed to Jackson for this season.

Jackson mostly came on as an impact player for the Bolts this season. He has three tackles in two games and an interception. The All-Pro CB’s first season at SoFi Stadium did not go as planned. Just five games into the 2022 season, a tendon rupture cut short his campaign. There’s no assurance as to whether he will immediately start the next game against the New Orleans Saints. However, his past experience with Coach Belichick’s system may expedite his name in the starting lineup.

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