New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez says he is ready to return from a shoulder injury that has kept him out for the past two games. He is expected to play in Sunday's home game against the New York Jets, telling reporters Wednesday, "I'm good now, ready for Sunday."
Gonzalez hurt his shoulder in the team's Week 3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and initially believed he was fine. He said adrenaline had masked the injury in the days after the game. He watched the Patriots' 45-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders from the sideline, saying it mattered to him to be there for his teammates. "I've been itching, kind of going a little crazy when I'm not getting to play," he said.
The Patriots also received a boost as receiver A.J. Brown returned to practice for the first time since being placed on injured reserve on Sept. 12. Coach Mike Vrabel said he would "see how that goes" before deciding whether Brown plays Sunday. Veteran safety Kevin Byard called Brown "a receiver one" and said he adds another dynamic to a pass game that has played well recently.
Depth along the offensive line got a lift as second-year lineman Marcus Bryant, who had been placed on injured reserve after being rolled up on in the preseason, also practiced Wednesday. The move comes after starting left tackle Will Campbell was diagnosed with a sprained right MCL, according to a source who spoke to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. Campbell told reporters he planned to do some things at practice.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing