Christian Gonzalez returns to Patriots practice

Christian Gonzalez at Patriots training camp in July. Winslow Townson/Getty ImagesThe Patriots secondary appears to be on the verge of getting a big boost for the Week 3 matchup with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers.

Head coach Mike Vrabel revealed on Wednesday in a press conference that cornerback Christian Gonzalez would be returning to practice for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury in training camp in July.

Speaking later to reporters, the former Patriots first-round pick acknowledged that it was difficult to be sidelined for more more than six weeks.

“Excited to be back out there,” Gonzalez said on Wednesday. “I love football. This is what I do, so I mean it’s been very…