The Las Vegas Raiders open their 2025 season on the road against the New England Patriots, and both teams will take the field missing key contributors. For New England, the expectation is now reality: cornerback Christian Gonzalez has been ruled out with a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since late July.
It’s a significant blow for a defense that leaned heavily on the second-team All-Pro’s ability to handle one-on-one assignments. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the challenge Gonzalez’s absence creates, particularly against the Raiders’ skill group led by All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, and wideout Jakobi Meyers.
“Everybody’s got to be ready to go,” Vrabel said Friday at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots shuffle secondary
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With Gonzalez unavailable, Alex Austin and Marcus Jones are expected to shoulder larger roles opposite veteran corner Carlton Davis. Depth option DJ James could also see increased snaps. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams emphasized the staff’s confidence in the group, noting that both Austin and Jones bring inside-outside versatility.
“We feel good about our secondary,” Williams said.
Still, insider Phil Perry called Gonzalez’s absence “a big deal,” pointing out on NBC Sports Boston’s Early Edition that the young corner is “in some ways the engine that will make your defense go this year.”
Without Gonzalez to match up against Meyers, New England risks freeing up Las Vegas’ receivers while potentially needing Davis to help on Bowers. That matchup poses challenges: while Davis is a physical corner, Bowers’ 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame creates mismatches in both the passing and running game.
Patriots inactives vs. Raiders
- CB Christian Gonzalez
- C Charles Woods
- G Caedan Wallace
- OLB Anfernee Jennings
- WR Efton Chism III
- NT Eric Gregory
- QB Tommy DeVito (3rd QB)
Raiders inactives vs. Patriots
- S Tristin McCollum
- RB Raheem Mostert
- LB Brennan Jackson
- T Charles Grant
- G Caleb Rogers
- DT JJ Pegues
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New England’s offensive line will also be tested, with rookie left tackle Will Campbell making his NFL debut. Campbell, the No. 4 overall pick in April, will line up against the Raiders’ disruptive edge duo of Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. His ability to hold up in pass protection could determine whether the Patriots’ offense keeps pace.
For the Raiders, the inactives list is less damaging, though losing veteran running back Raheem Mostert trims depth behind Jeanty. Las Vegas will rely heavily on their young stars to exploit a shorthanded New England defense.