The Patriots are coming off a big-time win over the Dolphins, as they hadn't beaten their divisional foe on the road since the 2019 season, and are now preparing for another familiar opponent with the Steelers coming to Gillette Stadium in Week 3.
This isn't the typical Pittsburgh team, however, now that Aaron Rodgers is under center, one of his favorite targets will surely be wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. His other go-to pass catcher has already proven to be Jaylen Warren, who led the team in receptions last week, proving the Patriots will have their hands full on Sunday.
Fortunately, their secondary has started to gain some traction without their best cornerback, Christian Gonzalez, particularly safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who has been incredibly impressive over the last two weeks.
But Mike Vrabel might have just broken the internet in New England by revealing Gonzalez should be practicing with the team on Wednesday, the first time the Pro Bowler has been on the field since suffering an injury at training camp on July 28.
BREAKING: #Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez will practice today, per HC Mike Vrabel:
— New England Sports Fellow (@NESportsFellow) September 17, 2025
"Would expect him to do some stuff today at practice."
(🎥: @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/dXRloQ86n1
This is a nightmare scenario for the Steelers, but a dream for the Patriots for their upcoming matchup.
Christian Gonzalez finally returns to Patriots practice after missing first two games
Although there have been some bright spots in the secondary while Gonzalez has been sidelined, like Carlton Davis III and Hawkins, they have been among the most concerning groups to start the season, as they've allowed far too many big plays that set them up for trouble.
It didn't lead to a blowout loss or the need for a double-digit comeback effort, but it certainly isn't the kind of performance any team likes to see from a very important group. Many fans wished to see Gonzalez return to the lineup as soon as possible, and that hasn't looked promising over the last two weeks.
However, that's clearly changing this week with Vrabel's announcement; yet, we still don't know the cornerback's status for the upcoming matchup. Because he hasn't practiced in nearly two months, there's a chance he won't be ready to go on Sunday.
Christian Gonzalez says he’s healthy.
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) September 17, 2025
Will he play on Sunday?
“I’m focused on today.”
Although this isn't exactly a promising answer, the fact he's healthy enough to return to practice is a good sign and, at the very least, means he will make his season debut very soon.