The New England Patriots can improve to 4-2 on the season if they can secure a road win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. While the Saints are 1-4 on the season, they shouldn't be overlooked as they've been a pesky team this year and have some momentum coming off a win over the New York Giants in Week 5.
The Patriots' defense this season has looked much improved from last season's unit, playing a big role in that early success. Having said that, New England's defensive unit could be shorthanded this weekend after the latest news surrounding a star defender.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez Is Questionable for Week 6
Patriots fans were dealt a scare when cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) was limited during Thursday's practice before leaving the session early. New England's coaching staff said there was no need to worry, as it was all a part of a new plan to keep the talented disruptor as healthy as possible, but Friday's update caused alarm bells to ring again.
Gonzalez is officially questionable for Week 6, according to Boston Herald's Doug Kyed. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel revealed on Friday that the 23-year-old ballhawk's status will likely be decided "90 minutes before the game."
Gonzalez is an important part of the team's defense as he is tasked with defending the opposing team's top receiver. Without Gonzalez, the Patriots' secondary could get tested by an underrated Saints receiving core that includes Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and ex-New England WR Brandin Cooks.
Gonzalez's hamstring issue has been ongoing since the beginning of training camp. He returned to the practice field in Week 3, before making his season debut in Week 4 in the Patriots' 42-13 win against the Carolina Panthers. Still, he clearly isn't out of the woods yet, and most fans are ready to put this injury in the rearview for good.
Alex Austin would be the next man up if Gonzalez were to be unavailable for the game.
While losing Gonzalez would be a big loss, this should still be a game that the Patriots win without him. They need a convincing effort against the Saints to prove that they're a playoff-quality team, and these are the type of games they need to win, regardless of the circumstances.
Hopefully, this isn't a long-term issue, and the Patriots are just being overly cautious with Gonzalez. Some fans might be frustrated, but keeping Gonzalez healthy for the long term should be the priority. If the Patriots want to make the playoffs, then resting their No. 1 CB this week might be the best move for his health this season, even if fans aren't excited about another potential absence.