NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez will “likely” make his season debut against the Carolina Panthers, who has dealing with a hamstring injury.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel mentioned that it was his decision to keep his cornerback out of the Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, saying that Gonzalez needed “a little bit more time.”

Gonzalez mentioned that he was upset that he was inactive, but understands that you need to be “all the way ready” when dealing with hamstring injuries.

“It kind of hit on it last week. I love football. It’s been hard being out, it’s been hard just watching,” Gonzalez told reporters on Sept. 24th. “But excited to get back at it this week.”

The All-Pro defender reveals that he has felt good during practice and is excited to return to the field.

Help In The Secondary

GettyNew England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins (left) and cornerback Carlton Davis (right)

The New England Patriots’ defense allowed 816 passing yards (the fourth most in the league) and 5 pass touchdowns through the first three weeks of the 2025 NFL season. In the first two games of the season, the defense allowed both QBs to throw for more than 300 passing yards.

The Patriots will be able to see their first official look at the cornerback duo of Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the organization this season.

Davis has been the number 1 cornerback in Gonzalez’s absence and now will get to play with the second-team All-Pro. In the first three weeks of the season, Davis has allowed 78 yards.

Together, the duo should keep opposing quarterbacks to low passing yards. The Patriots’ D held future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to under 140 passing yards in the Week 3 matchup.

With Gonzalez set to return, the Patriots’ secondary can expect to hold other quarterbacks to low yards. The former Oregon Duck had 2 interceptions, 11 pass deflections and 59 tackles in last season for the 4-13 Patriots.

First Matchup For Christian Gonzalez

GettyPatriots CB Christian Gonzalez

The New England Patriots will face the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, where Christian Gonzalez will be covering receiving threats being thrown balls from quarterback Bryce Young.

Gonzalez could be covering the 8th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tetairoa McMillan, in his first official game back.

McMillian is currently recovering from a calf injury and was limited in practice on Thursday. It could be a sign that he is on track to play on Sunday, but on limited snaps.

The first-round rookie has 216 receiving yards so far, the 14th-highest in the league and the most from a rookie.

If McMillan plays in Week 4, Christian Gonzalez will have his hands full in his season debut.