Gonzalez practices without extension amid Patriots talks

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez returned to practice this week without a long-term contract extension in place, expressing frustration with the ongoing negotiations as the team prepares for its final preseason game. Gonzalez, who had been sidelined since Aug. 10 with what coach Mike Vrabel described as a minor injury, was back on the field Monday and participated in Tuesday's workout before the team traveled to Cleveland for a preseason matchup against the Browns on Thursday. The 24-year-old, entering the fourth year of his rookie deal, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. "It's frustrating. But I'm focused on the season. I'm focused on here now and doing what I have to do," Gonzalez told reporters. "I'm out here to compete and get better." When asked if the contract impasse could affect his availability for the regular-season opener on Sept. 9, a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks, Gonzalez was noncommittal. "I'm focused on today, on this practice. And we'll see where we go from here," he said. The Patriots have publicly stated their desire to sign Gonzalez to a record-setting deal.