The hits just keep coming for the Patriots on Saturday, as cornerback Christian Gonzalez was apparently injured just moments after quarterback Drake Maye returned to the bench from the locker room after suffering a hit to the head.
Gonzalez appeared to get twisted up on the Chargers sideline after trying to stop a play and was eventually escorted off the field to the blue medical tent by a few Patriots staffers.
CB Christian Gonzalez, who is in the medical tent after making a tackle, has played 98% of the defensive snaps this season, a team high.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 28, 2024
It's a massive hit to the Patriots' defense, especially their secondary, as Gonzalez has been the best player on the field for the entire season. Not only that, he has played the most defensive snaps, as well, quickly becoming one of the best at the position in the league, even if he's not appropriately recognized for it.
The group is already down, with Jabrill Peppers out and Kyle Dugger continue to struggle against the Chargers, which has become an unfortunate pattern for him this year. It leaves the secondary much more vulnerable than when Gonzalez is on the field, making their day much more difficult against a talented opposing offense.
The cornerback was eventually reported to have suffered a head injury, meaning he will likely be put through concussion protocol and his return to the game will be questionable.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez is questionable to return. He's being evaluated for a head injury.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 28, 2024
UPDATE:
After spending most of the second quarter in the locker room, the Patriots announced that Gonzalez would not be returning to the game. He has been ruled out with a concussion.
Patriots injury update: CB Christian Gonzalez (concussion) won't return.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 28, 2024
Now that the team is down 17-0, and the defense appears not to have shown up for today's game, the loss of Gonzalez will be felt for the rest of the game. He has been on fire in his return this year after suffering a season-ending injury as a rookie in Week 3 vs. the Cowboys, becoming a standalone piece of the defense the Patriots didn't have to worry about.