Patriots Training Camp Notebook: Gonzalez Injury Update

FOXBORO — As the New England Patriots make their final preparations for their preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans on Friday, a key member of their struggling offensive line made his return to the practice fields

Conversely, the injury concerns may just be starting for a highly-touted component of their secondary.

With the Pats set to travel to Nashville for their preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans, here are some of the highlights from New England’s final training camp practice of the season.

Christian Gonzalez Injured

Despite his recent ups and downs, the manner in which cornerback Christian Gonzalez’s participation came to an end on Wednesday may cause the Pats some concern. During the latter part of the team drills, Gonzalez landed awkwardly after allowing a completion to receiver Thyrick Pitts. The 21-year-old favored his left leg as he limped to the sideline, where he was examined by the Patriots training staff Gonzalez’s left ankle or foot.

After what seemed to be a thorough inspection of his left foot and ankle, Gonzalez joined his teammates for a post-practice huddle. Though he was not wearing his cleats, he did not appear to be limping as much as he did after his collision with Pitts.

The seriousness of Gonzalez’s injury has yet to be determined. As such, his status for both Friday’s matchup with the Titans, as well as future practices will be closely monitored in the coming days.

Roll Call

New England’s injury news was not all bad on Wednesday, as starting guard Michael Onwenu returned to the practice fields. While Onwenu did not participate in team drills, his presence provides palpable hope for an offensive line which has struggled mightily in his absence.

Tight end Mike Gesicki and hybrid runner/receiver Ty Montgomery were present, but limited in their participation. Second-year guard Cole Strange, who has been dealing with a lower-body injury, was at practice wearing pads, yet did not participate.

Five players were absent including: receiver Tyquan Thornton, cornerback Jonathan Jones, center/guard Kody Russey, offensive tackle Conor McDermott and cornerback Isaiah Bolden.

Safety/special teamer Cody Davis and defensive end Trey Flowers remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, while offensive tackle Calvin Anderson continued his stay on the non-football injury/illness (NFI) list.

Quarterback Snapshot

Mac Jones turned in another solid performance, completing 17 of 23, including 7 of 8 inside the 20. Jones found receiver Kendrick Bourne for two connections, while his best throw in this sequence came on a short completion to JuJu Smith-Schuster for a touchdown. In the ensuing series, Jones found DeVante Parker for a jump-ball catch over both Gonzalez and defensive back Myles Bryant for the score.

Bailey Zappe completed 11 of 19 passes, three of which went to rookie Kayshon Boutte. The connection between Zappe and Boutte continues to be promising, as the pair are clearly developing a synergy. Zappe also threw an impressive touchdown strike to rookie Thyrick Pitts, who made a jump catch over hybrid defender Marte Mapu.

Though electrifying undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham spent the majority of his reps at receiver, he took two snaps during team drills — both of which were designed quarterback runs.

Jones Shines in Two-Minute Drill

Following a dismal performance last season while running the two-minute offense, Jones has clearly invested much time and energy in making the necessary improvements for 2023. The Pats starter ended his day with a strong two-minute drill, completing 5 of 7 in the session’s final 120 seconds. After a pair of impressive completions to tight end Hunter Henry, as well as one to Parker, Jones capped the drive with a touchdown to Boutte in the back of the end zone with only two seconds remaining on the clock.

Big Time Rush

Despite their success during team drills, the Patriots quarterbacks were once again under duress for much of the day. Jones was tabbed as falling victim to six sacks, while Zappe was vulnerable to at least two. Linebacker Matthew Judon was credited with three “would-be” sacks, while defensive end Keion White, defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, safety Jabrill Peppers, reserve lineman Daniel Ekuale and defensive back Jalen Mills were each responsible for one.

Up Next:

The Patriots and Titans are set to close the 2023 preseason with a 7 p.m. ET kickoff time from Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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