ARLINGTON, Texas -- New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September, was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.
The Patriots initially said Gonzalez was questionable to return but officially ruled him out early in the third quarter.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Gonzalez tackled Cowboys running back Tony Pollard on a 5-yard run to the right sideline with 2:09 remaining in the first quarter. Gonzalez attempted to return to the defensive huddle before taking a knee as members of the athletic training staff came to check on him.