New England Patriots star Christian Gonzalez appeared to be a question mark entering an AFC East tilt in Week 12.
The second-year cornerback landed on the injury report with a hip ailment before the road matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Gonzalez, however, took the field and played through the injury in a 34-15 loss.
“I was just feeling a little tight, but I’m good,” Gonzalez told reporters, per team-provided video. “I played the game. I’m good I’m ready to go.”
When asked if the injury occurred Friday, Gonzalez had no interest in providing any context.
“Next question,” Gonzalez said.
The Patriots star primarily matched up with speedster Tyreek Hill one week after New England made the mind-boggling decision to not travel Gonzalez against elite wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
That left capable receiver Jaylen Waddle to have a field day against New England’s secondary. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa moved to 7-0 in his career against the Patriots with 317 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
“They came out with their game plan,” Gonzalez said. “They started fast. They started really fast. We didn’t match their intensity defensively.”
The lone positive of the day for Gonzalez came when he returned a fumble for his first NFL touchdown. He described it as a “pretty awesome” moment.
The Patriots seek a much different defensive performance when they host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13.
