Giardi: Less than a week until the opener, and the Patriots still don't have clarity on Gonzalez situation
Boston Sports Journal • • sports
Key Points:
- Christian Gonzalez's contract extension with the New England Patriots remains unresolved, with no new updates and uncertainty about whether a deal will be reached before the season opener against Seattle.
- Head coach Mike Vrabel declined to comment on Gonzalez's contract status but emphasized preparing the team for all scenarios, including the possibility that Gonzalez might not play.
- Vrabel expects all healthy and contracted players to practice and play but acknowledged that plans could change based on ongoing discussions with players.
- Gonzalez previously expressed hesitation about playing in the opener without a new contract, which could impact the Patriots' defensive game plan, especially against key opponents like Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
- Teammates, including Kevin Byard, have publicly and privately expressed strong support for Gonzalez and hope to see him on the field.
