The New England Patriots lost one of their most important players in Week 9. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez departed his team’s game against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter with what was later announced as a head injury.
Gonzalez, 23, suffered the injury on a deep Falcons completion that saw him go up 1-on-1 against wide receiver Drake London. London came up with the football and in the process of the contested play the defensive back came down hard and remained on the ground.
Gonzalez did eventually get up and walk off the field under his own power while assisted by members of the medical staff. He headed straight into the blue medical tent on the sideline for further evaluation, and eventually left for the locker room. The Patriots announced him as questionable to return shortly thereafter.
With Gonzalez out of the game, New England’s defense turned to backup Charles Woods to take his spot in the lineup.