Cornerback Christian Gonzalez has not agreed to a contract extension with the Patriots, but he has returned to the practice field.
Reporters at Monday’s practice shared photos and videos of Gonzalez on the field for the first time in about two weeks. The Patriots have cited an undisclosed injury as the reason for Gonzalez’s absence from practice rather than a contract hold-in.
At a press conference before practice, head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Gonzalez’s readiness for the start of the season.
“I’m going to focus on today,” Vrabel said, via a transcript from the team. “I’m not ready to talk about Week 1. I hope that we have to do everything we can to get the guys ready. Each guy has to be ready individually, and then I have to find a way to make sure that the football team is ready and that we’re conditioned and ready to go.”
Monday’s change in participation is a good omen for Gonzalez being ready for opening night against the Seahawks and a new deal would make him even closer to being a sure thing.