The Patriots’ trade to acquire J.C. Jackson was needed because New England rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn labrum from a dislocated shoulder in Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Gonzalez, who was selected at No. 17 in the 2023 NFL draft, exited the Patriots’ game against the Cowboys late in the first quarter after tackling Dallas running back Tony Pollard. On the ensuing play, Myles Bryant came into replace Gonzalez in coverage and surrendered a 20-yard touchdown reception to CeeDee Lamb.
Prior to Gonzalez’s injury, New England was already thin in its secondary. Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones did not play against Dallas due to an ankle injury. Currently, Jack Jones is on the team’s injured reserve with an ankle injury.
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Gonzalez, who earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors in September, registered 17 combined tackles with 14 solo, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit through four games this season.
Jackson’s return to New England provides some relief for the Patriots’ secondary. In acquiring Jackson from the Chargers, Los Angeles sent the Patriots a ’25 seventh-round pick in exchange for a ’25 sixth-round pick, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
