Injury issues are hitting the New England Patriots hard in Week 17. Just minutes after Drake Maye exited the game with a head injury, top cornerback Christian Gonzalez also left to be examined by the medical tent.

Gonzalez and Maye both left the game in the second quarter. While Maye quickly returned to the field, Gonzalez was considered questionable for several possessions before being officially ruled out right before halftime. The quickness of his official ruling suggests a concussion.

As the Patriots' top cornerback, Gonzalez spent most of his limited time shadowing Los Angeles Chargers receiver Joshua Palmer. He recorded one tackle before leaving the field.

With Gonzalez out for the remainder of the game, reserves Marcellas Dial Jr. and Alex Austin will receive increased responsibilities. Nickelback Dell Pettus will also be asked to spend more time on the outside, opposite of Jonathan Jones.

New England entered the game already shorthanded on defense, missing safety Jabrill Peppers and cornerback Marcus Jones. Soon after Gonzalez's exit, the Chargers scored to extend their lead to 17-0. With just one game remaining in the regular season and the Patriots eliminated from the postseason, there is a high likelihood that Gonzalez's 2024 campaign has reached its conclusion.

Entering Week 17, Gonzalez leads the team with 11 pass breakups and two interceptions. His 75.7 player grade from PFF is the 18th-best of any cornerback in the NFL. He was also fifth on the team with 58 total tackles on the year.

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Patriots limp to 2024 finish line

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) in the second half of an NFL International Series game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It has been no secret that Jerod Mayo's first season as head coach has not gone as planned but the Patriots have a lot to build on moving forward. With young core pieces in Maye, Gonzalez and Ja'Lynn Polk, New England is already looking ahead to 2025.

However, before they can officially do so, the team is limping toward the 2024 finish line. In-game injuries to Maye and Gonzalez only add to their growing list of health concerns. The Patriots entered Week 17 without most of their traditional offensive line, missing key blockers Chukwuma Okorafor, David Andrews and Ben Brown.

Defensively, New England is also without star defensive tackle Christian Barmore, edge rusher Oshane Ximines, and top linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley for the season. Marcus Jones is on injured reserve and shut down for the season.