Patriots rule out multiple starters, including Christian Gonzalez, against Bills

The New England Patriots’ defense will be shorthanded for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

According to NFL Network/ESPN’s Ian Rapoport, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive tackle Christian Barmore have both been ruled out. Both players are dealing with shoulder injuries.

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Inside the numbers for Gonzalez and Barmore

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Gonzalez is one of the league’s best cornerbacks and has a knack for shutting down top wide receivers. He already has eight total tackles and five passes defended this season.

This is his fourth NFL season, and he already has 153 total tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, three interceptions, and 29 passes defended.

Barmore is in his sixth season with the Patriots and has four total tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble to start the season. He has played in 68 career games, recording 172 total tackles, 16.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and nine passes defended.

This is a major game for both teams, as the Bills look to stay undefeated while the Patriots look to get back to .500. The Patriots got blasted by the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-6 last Sunday.

Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Ian Eagle and Ross Tucker will have the call.

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Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.