What is supposed to be a season of hope for the New England Patriots is in danger of getting off to a turbulent start following the latest news. Star cornerback Christian Gonzalez will miss Sunday's home game versus the Las Vegas Raiders with a hamstring injury, per ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss. Making matters worse, promising rookie left tackle Will Campbell is listed questionable with an ankle issue.
Gonzalez's hamstring problem has persisted throughout the summer and will now cost him at least one game during the regular season. He is arguably the Pats' most important defensive player, posting two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 50 solo tackles and a fumble recovery touchdown during his 2024-25 Second-Team All-Pro campaign. Translation: Geno Smith's job just got easier.
New England can still put up a fight, though. New head coach Mike Vrabel knows how to get creative on defense and should have the firepower to test Las Vegas' shaky offensive line. The Raiders' secondary also comes with their own glaring holes, so quarterback Drake Maye and an enigmatic Patriots offense could enjoy a productive afternoon in Gillette Stadium. However, implementing the game plan is undeniably more challenging without a top-notch corner.
Vrabel says he expects third-year CB Alex Austin and exceptional athlete Marcus Jones to play in Gonzalez's stead, per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. Two-time Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith certainly has the capability to move the ball downfield and exploit weaknesses, but the Pats may be able to survive a pass-catching group that is widely uncertain outside of phenom Brock Bowers.
Will Campbell is the Patriots' X-factor this season
Things could get especially murky if Campbell is also ruled out for the Week 1 matchup. The former LSU standout arrived as the team's best chance at repairing an offensive line that Pro Football Focus placed at the bottom of its final 2024-25 rankings. Maye needs someone competent to man his blind side. Moreover, the rookie needs the reps.
Will Campbell is supposed to be a crucial component of the Patriots' long-term future, and the best way to find out if that is indeed true is to see how he does against NFL defensive linemen during an official game. Fans anxiously await concrete information concerning his status.
Mike Vrabel had to dig deep during his overall successful tenure with the Tennessee Titans, and he may have to do the same in his Patriots debut.
