The New England Patriots held their second practice ahead of the Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders slated for Sunday.
And for a second straight practice, star cornerback Christian Gonzalez was nowhere to be found.
That puts his availability for this week in serious doubt. Granted, there is still another day of practice for him to return on Friday, but it's also important to note that he has missed the team's last five straight practices. So he would need quite the turnaround to be ready to face the Raiders.
Gonzalez has been dealing with a shoulder injury that is believed to have occurred during the team's blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. He signed a historic four-year contract extension with the Patriots before the season
started, and when he's been available, he has looked like arguably the best cornerback in the NFL.
The possibility of not having him on the field against the Raiders is a tough blow, despite the team's lack of a dominant No. 1 receiver. It might once again fall on the shoulders of Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Charles Woods and others to step up on defense.
Hit refresh on this page for updates as we follow Gonzalez's injury news.
Gonzalez misses fifth straight practice
04:28 PM ET, October 8 2026, Jordy McElroyGonzalez was missing at Thursday's practice, which is his fifth straight absence. That officially puts his status for Sunday in doubt.
Patriots Thursday Practice Attendance - WEEK 5
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) October 8, 2026
Missing:
CB Christian Gonzalez
CB Carlton Davis
WR Mack Hollins
CB Karon Prunty
FB Reggie Gilliam
CB Channing Canada and RB Rhamondre Stevenson appear to be limited pic.twitter.com/tFVIEohp7C
The other concern is the fact that Carlton Davis III and rookie Karon Prunty were also missing at practice. Davis is the No. 2 cornerback for the Patriots, and Prunty worked into the mix after Charles Woods left the field temporarily with an injury in last week's game against the Bills.
The injury situation at corner is starting to look dire for the Patriots.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Latest on Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez's shoulder injury
