The New England Patriots will be without two of their most important defensive players when they face the Buffalo Bills in Week 4. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive tackle Christian Barmore have both been ruled out of Sunday’s AFC East matchup because of shoulder injuries.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez and DT Christian Barmore both are out Sunday versus the Bills due to shoulder injuries. pic.twitter.com/vulCqHws0x
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2026
Both players missed all three practices this week, making their absence official Friday. The Patriots are now preparing to face Buffalo without two established starters on a defense that will have the difficult task of slowing down Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense.
Christian Gonzalez ruled out after missing entire week
Gonzalez is arguably the bigger loss for New England’s secondary. The 2023 first-round pick has started every game he’s played during his NFL career and has been one of the Patriots’ most important defensive players since entering the league.
Through three games this season, Gonzalez has recorded eight tackles and five passes defended. He also recently signed a four-year, $135 million contract extension with New England.
Gonzalez suffered the shoulder issue during last week’s 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the injury, he continued playing and finished the game after taking part in 52 of New England’s 59 defensive snaps.
His absence leaves the Patriots without their top established coverage option against a Buffalo passing attack led by Allen.
Charles Woods is expected to see an increased role in the secondary with Gonzalez unavailable.
Barmore also unavailable against Buffalo
The Patriots will also be without Barmore, another major piece of their defense. The defensive tackle has four tackles and one sack through three games this season and has been dealing with his own shoulder injury.
Barmore was injured against Jacksonville and briefly left the game before returning. He subsequently failed to practice Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, leading to his eventual game status.
His absence creates another challenge for New England’s defensive front, which will need to find a way to generate pressure and limit the Bills’ rushing attack without one of its key interior defenders.
The Patriots enter the matchup with a 1-2 record, while Buffalo is 3-0.
With Gonzalez and Barmore officially ruled out, New England will have to rely on its depth on both levels of the defense. Losing two key starters with shoulder injuries is a significant development heading into a matchup with one of the NFL’s unbeaten teams.
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