The Patriots will be without one of their best players to start the NFL season against the Las Vegas Raiders, as head coach Mike Vrabel ruled out cornerback Christian Gonzalez Friday afternoon.
"Out," Vrabel said, when asked about Gonzalez's status. He also noted left tackle Will Campbell is questionable to play, and rookie Jared Wilson will start at left guard.
Gonzalez suffered an apparent hamstring injury during 11 vs. 11 competitive team periods early in training camp, on July 28th. Although he traveled with the team to Minnesota during the preseason, he hasn't been a participant, and did not participate in practices Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the season opener in Foxborough.
Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round draft pick, played in 16 games last season and recorded two interceptions and 11 defended passes. Injury cut his rookie season short to just four games.