The New England Patriots got a negative update on one of their star players heading into their Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez popped up on the team’s injury report as a limited participant in practice Thursday with a hamstring injury. Gonzalez, 23, missed New England’s first three games this season, but returned for back-to-back victories against the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills the past two weeks.

Despite the All-Pro’s surprise appearance on the Patriots’ injury report, cornerbacks coach Justin Hamilton shared his limited participation was a part of a plan with head coach Mike Vrabel, as shared on X by ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

“It’s kind of a warm-up, the early portion of practice, just to do more,” Hamilton told reporters Thursday, per Reiss. “Because some of the stuff is special teams or things where it’s like jog-through walk-through, so it’s for him to be able to get to the pace he can go at to be able to go out there when we are in the speed periods of practice.”

Hamilton’s update on this being a predetermined plan can help Patriots fans breathe a sigh of relief. Gonzalez missed nearly his entire rookie season before being named an All-Pro in 2024, and the thought of a lingering hamstring injury derailing his season would be a major blow to New England.

In two games this season, Gonzalez has only allowed 67 yards to receivers, allowing a 50% completion percentage with one pass defensed. His impact on the field does not go unnoticed, as he was a part of two key stops against the Bills last week. The 23-year-old was a full participant in practices all last week and on Wednesday, but his availability remains something to watch for as the Patriots prepare to take on the Saints.