New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez won't play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills due to a shoulder injury, head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore was also ruled out with a shoulder injury. Neither defender practiced this week.
Gonzalez was hurt during New England's 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. Trainers checked his shoulder on the sideline in the first quarter, but he stayed in the game and played 50 defensive snaps.
The 24-year-old has suited up in all three contests this season, recording eight tackles and five passes defended. He's allowed 2.3 yards per target heading into Week 4, the lowest mark among all qualified cornerbacks, according to Next Gen Stats.
Gonzalez signed a four-year, $135-million extension in early September, making him the league's highest-paid cornerback after months of tense negotiations.
Kickoff for this Sunday's game between the Patriots and the Bills is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
