Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will miss Sunday's game against the Steelers due to a hamstring injury, depriving New England of a primary playmaker in the secondary after a week of limited practice. Gonzalez had started every game since arriving in Foxborough and led the defense in snaps last season, earning Second-team All-Pro honors. With him out, and Westover and White also listed as questionable, New England will lean on depth in a pivotal home matchup at Gillette as they face Pittsburgh.

Week 1's Monday Night Football finale pits Caleb Williams against J.J. McCarthy in a marquee NFL debut duel as the Chicago Bears host Minnesota. Williams enters his second season with a retooled offense and a new staff led by Ben Johnson, while McCarthy starts for Minnesota after a knee injury sidelined his rookie year. The night spotlights six first‑round QBs from the 2024 class, including Jayden Daniels (WAS), Drake Maye (NE), Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) and Bo Nix (DEN), all under the microscope as their careers continue to unfold.

Williams and McCarthy carry extra weight as the only pair from that class to play in the same division, setting the stage for a fantasy‑savvy lens on offensive lines, supporting casts, and immediate improvement or setback in Year 2. The night isn’t just a game—it’s a week‑one barometer for how these young quarterbacks can shape their teams in the near term and the fantasy landscape for the season ahead.

The New England offense leans on tight ends in this camp battle, with an undisclosed injury to Hunter Henry clouding Week 2 and Minnesota prep looming. Austin Hooper slides into starter reps, while Gee Scott Jr., Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre, and Jaheim Bell chase snaps behind him. If Henry’s absence extends to Minnesota, the Patriots’ tight end rotation will be tested and fantasy managers will need to monitor who steps up in camp and early preseason action.

Henry’s chemistry with Drake Maye this summer adds another layer to the offense, but Week 2 could hinge on Hooper’s consistency and the ceiling of the depth trio. Westover’s versatility at fullback/TE could swing reps in the two-TE looks, while Dippre and Bell will need to carve routes and blocks. Hooper remains the anchor, but the depth chart behind him becomes a high-leverage fantasy story as teams prepare for the regular season.