New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) speaks to the media after practice at training camp at Gillette Stadium.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots arrived in The Windy City with an undermanned offensive line and battered wide receiver group, so they already know there is little room for error in Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. But the adversity may reach crushing levels if Christian Gonzalez is unable to compete. The star cornerback is now listed questionable due to an illness, per the Patriots Communications X account.
Carlton Davis is already out with a neck injury. An inactive Gonzalez would leave New England's secondary alarmingly thin against a high-powered Caleb Williams-led aerial attack. Playing football on a short week is always demanding, but this prime-time matchup presents an especially grueling challenge for Mike Vrabel and company. He is the reigning Coach of the Year for a reason, though.
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The Pats will rely on MVP runner-up Drake Maye and hope that AJ Brown can exploit a struggling Jaylon Johnson after posting a couple of tough drops last Sunday versus the New York Jets. The defense will still need to be competent. Ben Johnson will smell blood if Gonzalez is stuck on the sidelines. Fortunately, three-time All-Pro Kevin Byard faced knows this Bears offense and is doing his best to prepare the Patriots for Chicago's creative play-calling.
Alex House is a sports journalist who covers the NFL, NBA, and MLB for ClutchPoints, providing a unique writing voice due to his in-depth knowledge of New York sports. Alex resides in Connecticut after receiving his journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island.