nbcsports
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez may be unavailable for the New England Patriots when they face the Chicago Bears tonight. The team made a surprise announcement Thursday evening that Gonzalez is dealing with an illness and is listed as questionable for the game.
In roughly half an hour, the Patriots will need to disclose their list of inactive players for the contest.
Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round draft selection, has already been sidelined for two games this season due to a shoulder injury. However, he was fully healthy and participated in Sunday's game against the New York Jets. At his best, Gonzalez ranks among the top cornerbacks in the NFL.
Last month, New England awarded him a four-year, $135 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league.
Key Analysis
The late illness designation for Gonzalez adds uncertainty to the Patriots' defensive secondary just hours before kickoff. Given his status as the NFL's highest-paid cornerback and a key component of New England's defense, his potential absence could significantly impact the team's ability to contain the Bears' passing attack. The Patriots will finalize their inactive list shortly, providing clarity on Gonzalez's availability.
Originally reported by nbcsports.