FOXBORO, Massachusetts — Christian Gonzalez, a cornerback with the Patriots, may have played his last snap of 2024.
After sustaining a concussion in the first half of Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium, Gonzalez was declared out. On the third play of the second quarter, Gonzalez was hurt after he struck wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who was found by Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Shortly after leaving the field and entering the blue medical tent, Gonzalez was declared out.
This season, the 2023 first-round cornerback has been perhaps New England’s best player. Notwithstanding the Patriots defense’s general difficulties, Gonzalez continuously kept opponent wide receivers considerably below their average output.
Given the Patriots’ current position and the fact that there is still one game left in the season, it is reasonable to assume Gonzalez’s stellar sophomore year may come to an end.
Drake Maye cleared the league’s procedure and made a comeback against the Bolts after undergoing concussion protocol against the Chargers.
Drake Maye of the Patriots throws DeMario Douglas a beautiful 36-yard touchdown ball.
FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts Drake Maye’s 36-yard touchdown pass to receiver DeMario Douglas late in the second quarter provided the New England Patriots a much-needed boost after they had struggled in the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Maye’s rhythm was crucial to the play since it pulled the Chargers offside and opened up free play.
Then, despite the pressure, the novice exploited it. When the quarterback uncorked a high-arcing throw down the center of the field, Maye was in the face of Chargers outside rusher Joey Bosa, who had cut through untouched. Douglas shifted to collect the ball at the goal line before rolling into the end zone while running a deep route up the right side.
The Chargers’ lead was reduced to 17-7 with the subsequent extra point.
Maye set a Patriots rookie record by catching at least one passing touchdown ball in his eighth consecutive game.
The Patriots quarterback with the most touchdown passes in a season since Tom Brady (three) in 2009 is Maye, who has three this season that have a total of at least 35 air yards.
