Latest on Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez's shoulder injury

The New England Patriots practiced for their Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, set for Sunday. Christian Gonzalez, their star cornerback, was absent from the second consecutive practice, casting doubt on his availability. Although there is one more day of practice on Friday, Gonzalez has missed the last five consecutive practices.

His shoulder injury, believed to have occurred during the Week 3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, could require a remarkable recovery to be ready for the Raiders. Gonzalez, who signed a historic four-year contract extension with the Patriots prior to the season, has been regarded as arguably the NFL's premier cornerback when he has been fit to play.

The potential absence of Gonzalez against the Raiders is a significant setback, especially considering the team's absence of a dominant No. 1 receiver. The burden of defense will once again fall on players like Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, and others. For updates on Gonzalez's injury situation, refresh this page.