The New England Patriots are set to travel to play the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Both teams are 0-1 and seek to avoid a 0-2 start to the 2025 season. Having said that, despite the Dolphins getting blown out in their season opener, the Patriots still need all hands on deck to beat their AFC East rivals.
The Pats have seen a couple of players get removed from the injury report as the week progressed, but in the same token, Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team revealed that cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) and defensive end Keion White (illness) are both out for the game on Sunday.
Christian Gonzalez, Keion White Are Out for Patriots in Week 2
White played in the season opener but was a non-participant in three straight practices. This is something that he couldn't shake off and needs to rest up, with the hopes of returning next week. Anfernee Jennings was inactive last week, but with a spot open in the rotation, he will likely be active.
As for Gonzalez, this has been a big blow for a team expecting him to be one of their best defensive players in 2025. The Washington product hasn't practiced since July 28 during training camp. He came up grabbing his leg when defending a pass, but head coach Mike Vrabel expressed that Gonzalez is fighting to get back on the field.
"He's continuing to improve, which is positive, and working hard. Just working hard and keep improving, staying engaged, still preparing as a starter, asking questions in the meetings, and all those things."Mike Vrabel on Christian Gonzalez
Patriots CBs coach Justin Hamilton revealed that even though Gonzalez isn't playing, he's staying engaged behind the scenes.
"He's doing everything he can in the training room... His spirits have been good. I give him a copy of the practice script every day. Take one out to him so he can keep up with it, and he stays on top of it. He always knows what call we're in. He always knows what should happen," Hamilton said.
This is what fans would want to hear about their young star. Even though he isn't active, he's making sure he's staying on top of things mentally, while working out and rehabbing tirelessly to get back out there.
Alex Austin is set to start on the outside again in this tilt after he finished with five total tackles and one pass breakup in Week 1. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with a 62.4 overall grade and a 59.7 coverage grade.
Austin will have a tougher matchup in Week 2, as the Dolphins have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the other side. When facing an elite WR like Hill and another Pro-Bowl caliber one in Waddle, having Gonzalez out there would be huge, but that won't be the case on Sunday.