The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have revealed inactive players ahead of Sunday afternoon’s contest.
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are nearing kickoff for Sunday afternoon’s home opener at Gillette Stadium.
Ahead of game time, both teams have revealed their inactive players for Week 2. From practice squad elevations to new faces in the lineup for game day, both rosters are set — and feature some interesting developments that will be worth monitoring.
Here’s who’s in — and out — of New England’s late September clash with Pittsburgh:
Inactives
New England Patriots
The following players on the Patriots’ 53-man roster will not be active this afternoon:
- TE Tanner Arkin
- OT Dametrious Crownover
- CB Carlton Davis III
- QB Behren Morton
- OT Walter Rouse
- DT Leonard Taylor III
Not featured on this list and in uniform for the first time in the 2026 season is wide receiver Efton Chism III. The second-year pass-catcher was inactive for Week 1, but with A.J. Brown now on injured reserve, Chism will get his first chance at live action this afternoon. He could factor in as a slot receiving option behind DeMario Douglas and on special teams as a kick returner.
After being questionable for the game, edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones is also active. New addition defensive tackle DaQuan Jones will also make his debut, as will linebacker Erick Hunter. Tight end Tanner Arkin and defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III were both active last week, but are healthy scratches for Week 2.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers will not be dressing the following players:
- QB Drew Allar
- OG Gennings Dunker
- QB Will Howard (emergency third quarterback)
- DL Kevin Jobity Jr.
- WR Michael Pittman Jr.
- CB Joey Porter Jr.
- DL Gabriel Rubio
Injury Report
Both squads will be without a top wide receiver and cornerback when the action gets underway in Foxboro this afternoon. Here's a closer look at who's already been ruled out:
New England Patriots
For New England, they’ll be without the services of Brown on offense and cornerback Carlton Davis III in the defensive secondary. Davis was downgraded to out yesterday after logging three consecutive “did not participate” designations at practice throughout the week with a neck injury. He left the season opener due to injury, but returned to the lineup shortly after. Elsewhere, rookie offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover was also ruled out with a knee injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers
For Pittsburgh, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will miss his second straight game with a “non-football-injury/conditioning/back” designation, but his continued absence from the team is reportedly more contract related than anything else. Offensively, the Steelers will be without offseason acquisition wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who began the week as a limited participant, but missed Thursday and Friday’s practices with a foot injury. He was ruled out for the game on Saturday.
Practice Squad Elevations
These players were called-up from the practice squad for Sunday’s game:
New England Patriots
Only one player was elevated from the practice squad for the Patriots this week, and it was an expected call-up, as punter Mitch Wishnowsky assumes the same role he held last week.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have elevated running back Travis Homer and defensive back Doneiko Slaughter for Sunday’s matchup in Foxboro. Slaughter was also called-up last week to provide depth in the secondary with the absence of Porter Jr.
How do you think New England will bounce back against Pittsburgh at Gillette Stadium this afternoon? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
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