The New England Patriots will be without a key member of the defense for a while. 

While it was reported that Christian Gonzalez dislocated his right shoulder in Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, more information about the injury has become known. 

WEEI's Mike Kadlick reported on Monday that Gonzalez suffered a torn right shoulder labrum. 

This leaves the Patriots without two key defenders, with Matthew Judon also sidelined after he suffered a lower bicep tendon tear on Sunday. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that both are out indefinitely and will look to get a second opinion on their injuries. 

Gonzalez was injured after executing a hit on Tony Pollard. While he appeared to get up, he was taken out of the game and assisted into the blue medical tent by trainers. He emerged soon after and headed straight into the locker room, being marked as questionable to return. 

Gonzalez was downgraded to out shortly after. 

The rookie was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has not disappointed. For his contributions in his debut season, the cornerback was named Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.

And he has not disappointed, sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in his NFL debut and following it up with an interception on Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Week 2.

Injuries have not been kind to the cornerback room this season and Gonzalez is the latest example of that. While he has stepped up because of those injuries, it will not be up to Myles Bryant and the rest of the defense to fill the gap he leaves. 

The only possible good news the Patriots might receive is Jack Jones is eligible to come of injured reserve this week, providing New England with another star cornerback. 

But based on how he has played to start the season, it's clear that Gonzalez is very hard to replace.

Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez dislocated his right shoulder in Sunday loss

Not good for the Patriots.