Christian Gonzalez among four Patriots CBs absent on Wednesday

FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots were shorthanded in the secondary last week without Christian Gonzalez, and the star cornerback was unable to return to practice on Wednesday.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel told reporters before practice that multiple starters, including Gonzalez, wouldn’t be able to participate.

Gonzalez was one of three Patriots cornerbacks not available for Wednesday’s practice. Veteran Carlton Davis and rookie Karon Prunty were also absent, according to the team’s injury report.

Rookie cornerback Channing Canada was a limited participant.

The Patriots elevated cornerback Kindle Vildor from the practice squad earlier in the week. They also added cornerback Al’zillion Hamilton to the practice squad.

Gonzalez missed Sunday’s win against the Bills with a shoulder injury. Davis, who missed the win against Pittsburgh with a neck injury, played all 59 defensive snaps against the Bills. Prunty and Canada have played sparingly on defense this season.

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson wasn’t expected to practice Wednesday, but wound up being listed as a limited participant. It’s not exactly clear what Stevenson’s injury is. Vrabel didn’t offer details, but he also didn’t rule the running back out for Sunday’s game.

Receiver Mack Hollins was out with a calf injury. Hollins told reporters in the locker room that he hopes he’ll be able to play this week.

Morgan Moses and Reggie Gilliam were listed as limited participants.

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore returned after missing Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury.

Several Patriots players, including offensive tackle Marcus Bryant and linebacker Kahlil Jacobs, became eligible to return from injured reserve this week.

“I just think that with the uncertainty here, that probably won’t happen. I wouldn’t anticipate that happening,” Vrabel said. “Those guys have all worked really hard to get back, and it’s just where the situation is with the roster and trying to figure out what we need to do. So, we’ll probably not start those guys practicing.”

Khari A. Thompson

Sports Reporter

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.