Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore will miss the New England Patriots’ AFC East opener against the Buffalo Bills due to shoulder injuries, head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed at his Friday press conference. The absence of the cornerback and defensive tackle leaves the Patriots shorthanded as they prepare to face the unbeaten Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.
Both Gonzalez and Barmore have been sidelined for three consecutive practices this week in Foxborough. The injuries surfaced during last Sunday’s 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Early in that game, Gonzalez had his shoulder examined after a hard tackle but remained on the field, finishing with eight tackles and five passes defensed over 52 snaps. Despite his strong performance, he has missed the last three practices and will not suit up against Buffalo.
Barmore’s shoulder issue also dates back to last weekend. He was initially listed as questionable to return before halftime against Jacksonville but ultimately did not continue. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound defensive tackle has recorded one sack, one forced fumble, and a quarterback hit in every game this season. His absence leaves the Patriots’ defensive tackle rotation to Milton Williams, Cory Durden, Joshua Farmer, Leonard Taylor III, and former Bill DaQuan Jones.
Six other Patriots players finished the week as limited participants in practice. Fullback Reggie Gilliam, tight end Eli Raridon, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, linebackers Dre’Mont Jones and Christian Elliss, cornerback Channing Canada, and safety Craig Woodson are all listed as questionable for the game. Gilliam and Moses were seen back on the practice field Friday after missing time due to knee and foot issues.
Safety Brenden Schooler remains out with a back injury and is not expected to return this season. Backup guard Ben Brown is expected to step into the starting lineup at right guard after Greg Van Roten was placed on injured reserve. Quarterback Drake Maye practiced fully but will not have a game status due to a throwing shoulder injury.
On the Bills’ side, there are no players officially ruled out, though defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is doubtful due to illness following an appendectomy less than two weeks ago. Sanders started twice as a rookie and has one sack so far this season. Starting cornerback Christian Benford and running back Ray Davis are questionable for Sunday’s game.
The injury report leaves the Patriots facing the Bills without two starters on defense, with additional players’ participation uncertain. The Patriots’ defensive backfield will be tested without Gonzalez, alongside a defensive line missing Barmore’s presence. Meanwhile, the Bills enter the matchup with a clean injury slate among their starters, aiming to maintain their undefeated start to the season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
