Report: Christian Gonzalez likely out for season after suffering torn labrum
BOSTON -- On Wednesday morning, the Patriots reacquired cornerback J.C. Jackson. Minutes after that news broke, it became clear why they made such a move.
Ian Rapoport reported that standout rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a torn labrum on Sunday when he dislocated his shoulder in Dallas. The injury will require surgery and will "likely" end Gonzalez's rookie season, according to Rapoport.
The trade for JC Jackson was necessary because… #Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez, who would have been a candidate for defensive rookie of the year, is likely to miss the rest of the 2023 season with a torn labrum from a dislocated shoulder on Sunday, sources say. Surgery soon. pic.twitter.com/97usulsG6N
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2023
Prior to suffering the injury, Gonzalez had played all but one snap for New England this season. He was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month for September, recording an interception, a sack, three pass defenses and 16 total tackles (13 solo) while facing some of the NFL's best wide receivers.
The 17th overall pick in the draft was showing immediate promise for New England, but it appears as though his next contribution won't be coming until 2024.