EAGAN, Minn. — Back in March, Carlton Davis became one of the Patriots’ highest-paid and highest-profile free-agent additions.
Since then, he’s hardly been seen.
Davis missed most of the team’s voluntary Organized Team Activities in the spring, then participated in the team’s initial training camp practice before going two and a half weeks without practicing in pads. Davis has now participated in three straight practices, including Wednesday’s joint session with the Vikings. Speaking afterwards, the 28-year-old did not disclose his injury, but admitted the Patriots have been slow-playing his recovery.
“I’m dealing with something, for sure, but I’m still ready to play right now,” Davis said. “Like, I don’t care what’s going on — if it was Week 1, I’d be playing. So, we’re just being smart about it, and we are just going through the process and going through the progress.”
After signing a 3-year, $54 million contract in free agency, Davis is expected to form one of the NFL’s top cornerback duos with Christian Gonzalez, who has also been sidelined by injury. While Gonzalez has yet to practice since hurting his left leg two weeks ago, the injury does not appear to be overly serious. Meanwhile, Davis repeatedly expressed confidence Wednesday that he will play in the team’s season opener on Sept. 7.
“I will continue to ramp it up more, get more reps. Because, you can’t go out Week 1 and not have taken any reps to be in shape and just be in that football shape, for sure.”
Davis started his career with six seasons in Tampa Bay, where he won a Super Bowl, then jumped to Detroit last year.
Originally Published: August 13, 2025 at 7:10 PM EDT