New England Patriots
“Christian was unavailable, physically unavailable for the practice,” Vrabel said. “That’s the clarification.”
Christian Gonzalez isn’t historically known for trash talk, but A.J. Brown is hearing plenty from the corner during training camp. (Lane Turner/Globe Staff)
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FOXBOROUGH – Christian Gonzalez was conspicuously absent from Tuesday’s joint practice against the Colts.
He also wasn’t around for the Patriots’ preseason opener against Indianapolis, though that wasn’t much of a surprise. Drake Maye, A.J. Brown, Milton Williams, and a several other starters did not play.
Several Patriots starters, including Maye, Brown, and Morgan Moses, who did not play Thursday night were on the sideline watching the game. Gonzalez was not.
“Christian was in a group of many players that weren’t here tonight,” Vrabel said.
The joint practice absence stood out because Maye and the other starters played. The Patriots were already limited in the secondary with Carlton Davis dealing with an injury, and New England’s reserve cornerbacks struggled against the Colts’ starters.
Vrabel was asked after Thursday’s game to clarify the reason behind Gonzalez’s absence. The coach said the cornerback was injured.
“Christian was unavailable, physically unavailable for the practice,” Vrabel said. “That’s the clarification. Just like other players that I told to have treatment, and everybody has a plan here, there were other guys that were in that same category.”
“If you want to list the names, Christian Elliss, Brenden Schooler, Harold Landry, Christian Barmore, et cetera. So make sure they’re all included. They were all in the same group of what they did.”
Vrabel did not elaborate on what the injury is or when it occurred.
Gonzalez has been involved in contract negotiations this summer, and there had been some prior speculation that his absence could have been tied to that.
The Pro Bowl cornerback has been a consistent participant in practice, and he has been available for padded practices despite both sides being unable to reach an agreement so far.
Gonzalez has handled the matter in a professional manner, Vrabel said.
“I’m a big fan of Gonzo and how things are playing out,” Vrabel told reporters last week. “So I respect him for being out here competing and wanting to practice.
“I think that speaks a lot for him wanting to be here, and I think, like I said, he’s one of the best corners in the league. So, I’m looking forward to playing with him, and I’m glad he’s on our team.”
The Patriots have several more practices before the Eagles come to Foxborough for a pair of joint practices next week on Wednesday and Thursday.
New England, which ended Thursday’s preseason opener with a 13-13 tie against Indianapolis, will host Philadelphia in another preseason clash on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
Khari A. Thompson
Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
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