Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is behind schedule and it’s not a product of any setback.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer joined Early Edition on Tuesday night and shared intel as it relates to Gonzalez’s injury-related absence.

The Second Team All-Pro cornerback suffered a hamstring injury July 28 and has not played in a game this season. Gonzalez practiced for the first time last Wednesday ahead of New England’s Week 3 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I’ve dug around on this the last couple of weeks and what I found is there wasn’t a setback, which I think almost makes it worse,” Breer said. “You know what I mean?”

Breer said the Patriots expected Gonzalez would be ready for the season opener when he suffered the injury nearly two months ago. New England opted not to put Gonzalez on injured reserve, which would have sidelined him for four weeks, because the team felt he would return before then.

If Gonzalez does not play against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, he would miss the same four games all while costing New England a roster spot during that span. Sunday will mark 62 days since Gonzalez initially suffered his the hamstring strain.

“If he misses this game, now we’re at four weeks, which means he’s not just behind schedule for where they thought he would be in July, he’s behind schedule for where they thought he would be at the beginning of September,” Breer said.

Breer does not believe there’s any “ill-will” between Gonzalez and the Patriots, but does think there’s “frustration” building.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has deflected when asked about Gonzalez’s return, and hasn’t exactly defended the star cornerback. Vrabel instead has opted against detailing the injury recovery.

Tom E. Curran believes the Patriots may have done Christian Gonzalez a disservice by withholding the details of his hamstring injury

Gonzalez, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is eligible for an extension at the end of this season. It’s caused some to question whether the 23-year-old is prioritizing his short-term health because the long-term payday isn’t far away.

Breer believes it could be a factor.

“I think there’s a natural piece to this that comes in the NFL when a player is on the edge of becoming very, very wealthy,” Breer said. “Where there are natural questions that come up, ‘Are you being careful? Are we being careful?’ It’s just sort of the price that the owners pay for the rules being the way they are.

“I think it would be silly not to look at that as at least something that would be in the back of everybody’s mind.”

Patriots insider Phil Perry was surprised to hear Breer’s insights.

“You wonder how they’re feeling about how he’s approached the rehab process,” Perry said. “It is shocking that is has been this long if there’s been no setback.”

The Patriots will take the practice fields Wednesday as they begin preparations against the Panthers.