After missing the first three games of the season, there is hope that New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will finally return for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

The All-Pro defensive back is currently listed as questionable on the injury report, but there are reasons for optimism on his chances of suiting up for this game.

Gonzalez wanted to return in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the decision was ultimately made to err on the side of caution. Considering how close he was to returning last week, it makes sense for this to be the week for him to make his return.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that it is “likely” that the standout defender will play. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini also had a positive report on Gonzalez’s status for the game.

“The good news for the Patriots: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez is expected to make his season debut this week against Carolina,” Russini wrote. “I’m told Gonzalez has worked hard on his hamstring recovery to get back on the field and is ready to roll. He and the Patriots were in agreement on not rushing his return, and he should bolster a defense that badly needs him.”

Gonzalez’s return would be a huge boost to a Patriots defensive unit that seems to be getting better every week. The strength of the unit has been the defensive front so far, but the combination of Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III could even it up in the secondary.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Is Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez playing today?