Patriots face Steelers without star CB Gonzalez
The New England Patriots are gearing up for a crucial Week 3 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium, but they will have to do so without their star cornerback, Christian Gonzalez. Both teams have announced their inactives ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, with the Patriots listing six players and the Steelers five.
Patriots Inactives
For New England, the inactives include:
CB Christian Gonzalez
DT Eric Gregory
G Caedan Wallace
WR Efton Chism III
OLB Elijah Ponder
QB Tommy DeVito (third-string)
Gonzalez, a second-team All-Pro, has been a standout in the Patriots’ secondary. His absence will put added pressure on the defense, especially as they prepare to face the formidable D.K. Metcalf. The 6-foot-4, 239-pound receiver has made an immediate impact in his short time with the Steelers, recording seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown this season.
Davis Steps Up
With Gonzalez sidelined, cornerback Jalen Davis will likely take on the challenge of covering Metcalf. Davis will need to leverage his skills to win contested catches and minimize Metcalf’s impact on the game. Given the Patriots’ struggles in the secondary last week—Alex Austin gave up 98 yards to Dolphins receivers—it’s crucial for Davis to step up and contain one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers.
Keion White Returns
In a bit of good news for the Patriots, defensive end Keion White is active after missing the previous game due to an undisclosed illness. White had returned to practice this week and will be looking to make an impact in his first game back. His presence will be vital for New England’s pass rush against a Steelers offense still finding its footing.
Recent Performances
The Patriots (1-1) are coming off a hard-fought 33-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins, hoping to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since 2022. Meanwhile, the Steelers (1-1) are looking to bounce back after suffering a 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in their last outing. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to establish momentum early in the season.
Steelers Inactives
The Steelers’ inactives for the game include:
S DeShon Elliott
CB Joey Porter Jr.
OL Andrus Peat
DE Esezi Otomewo
LB Alex Highsmith
With both teams missing key players, the stage is set for an intense battle at Gillette Stadium. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective seasons, especially for the Patriots, who are looking to climb above .500 for the first time since September 2024.
