The New England Patriots already have a difficult task at home on Sunday when hosting the visiting Las Vegas Raiders in the regular season opener. However, it will be even tougher with their best defensive player, All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez, officially ruled out for the game.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel announced the news on Friday.
Gonzalez has been working his way back from a nagging hamstring injury that he suffered earlier in training camp. There was hope that it wouldn't be a long-term issue and he'd be ready to return by the season opener.