With Gonzalez and Carlton Davis out, the Patriots moved up players such as Alex Austin, Marcus Jones, Marcellus Dial, and D.J. James in the cornerback rotation. Austin, who started camp as the top outside backup, has been with the starters with Davis and Gonzalez absent.

The Patriots added to their secondary this offseason by signing former Detroit Lions defensive back Carlton Davis III, but he too has missed time this summer due to injury. The absence of their top two corners has forced the likes of Alex Austin, Marcus Jones, and Marcellas Dial into prominent action on New England's top defense.

The Patriots’ other projected starting cornerback, Carlton Davis, has yet to fully participate in a practice since camp began. The nature and severity of Davis’ injury were unclear as of Wednesday. Before one practice last week, Vrabel said the offseason signing would be sidelined for a “maintenance day.”