[NFL WIRE] Mike Vrabel on Christian Gonzalez: I expect every healthy player to play and practice

[Mickey the Mouth]

Christian Gonzalez returned to Patriots practice last week, but the cornerback's lack of a contract extension has led some to wonder if he might be off the field again as the team heads into their Week 1 game against the Seahawks.

Head coach Mike Vrabel fielded a question about that possibility during an appearance on WEEI on Monday morning.

"I expect him to be there today and I’m gonna focus on today," Vrabel said. "I expect every healthy player to play and practice for our football team. That’s my expectation as a head coach."

PFT reported on Sunday that Gonzalez and the Patriots are still engaged in contract talks despite what's believed to be a significant gap between what the two sides are proposing. Vrabel was also asked about where things stand on that front.

"I don’t have anything new to add with Christian," Vrabel said. "Whatever the events over the weekend or whatever happened over the weekend or didn’t happen over the weekend or what’s gonna happen today moving forward, I don’t think I have anything new to update you on."

Gonzalez's status on and off the field will continue to be of interest until a deal comes together that secures his long-term future in New England.