The New England Patriots opened Week 3 prep on Wednesday with cornerback Christian Gonzalez back on the practice fields for the first time since injuring his hamstring on July 28.
Sidelined for the last seven weeks, the second-team All-Pro said he was “excited” to finally return to the field.
“It’s been tough having to watch, but I’m excited to get out there and run around and get back to playing ball,” Gonzalez said at his locker Wednesday.
Physically, Gonzalez said he feels “good,” though he would not indicate whether he experienced any setbacks during the recovery period.
“It’s been hard. It’s been tough,” he said. “But, it’s part of football. Everything in football is tough. It’s going to test you physically, it’s going to test you mentally, so it’s just part of it.”
Without Gonzalez, New England’s pass defense has allowed a league-high 677 passing yards through two games. The Patriots have primarily leaned on third-year corner Alex Austin in Gonzalez’s place opposite of veteran Carlton Davis III.
Gonzalez’s return would provide a major boost, but when asked directly about his Week 3 availability against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the cornerback kept his response short: “I’m focused on today.”
Speaking earlier Wednesday morning, head coach Mike Vrabel left the door open to Gonzalez potentially suiting up. For Gonzalez, however, the focus will remain in the present as he makes his much awaited return.
“I love football. This is what I do. So it’s been very challenging to be out for so long. But I’m focused on the here and now,” Gonzalez said. “I’m not really too worried about the injury. I’m not going to answer any questions on that, we’re just focused on Steelers.”