Christian Gonzalez returns to practice after long injury absence
- New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez returned to practice for the first time in nearly two months.
- His absence was due to an injury sustained during training camp, but he expressed excitement about rejoining the team.
- Gonzalez's potential return could significantly enhance the Patriots' defense for their upcoming game against the Steelers.
In the United States, the New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez returned to the practice field on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, marking his first appearance after nearly two months out with an injury. González expressed his enthusiasm about being back on the field, acknowledging the difficulty of his prolonged absence due to injury. He stated that despite the setbacks, he remains focused on his return and learning from his experiences. Coach Mike Vrabel indicated that Gonzalez would participate in various drills during practice, though there is uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Vrabel emphasized the importance of Gonzalez’s presence for the Patriots' defense, especially considering his impact as a star player in the cornerback position. Gonzalez had not practiced since he suffered an injury during training camp earlier this season, making his return a significant development for the team. Similarly, on the same day, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy also returned to practice after missing the previous game due to a toe injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned that Purdy would be limited during practice but could potentially play in the upcoming game against Arizona. Purdy's injury, likened to turf toe, had originally caused him to be listed as week to week, temporarily sidelining him during an important period of the season. While Mac Jones performed remarkably during Purdy's absence, leading to a win against New Orleans, the decision on whether Purdy would reenter the lineup hinged more on his physical condition rather than Jones's performance. The situation surrounding both players illustrates the challenges faced by teams throughout the season, where injuries can significantly impact player availability and overall team dynamics. Both Gonzalez's and Purdy’s returns to practice represent hopeful signs for their respective teams as they prepare for crucial matchups in the following weeks.