New England Patriots
OT Dametrious Crownover (knee) was the lone New England player ruled out on Friday.
The New England Patriots received some good injury news ahead of Sunday’s Week 2 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
RB, LB removed from injury report
After a poor showing by their rushing game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, the Patriots expect running back TreVeyon Henderson to make his season debut.
Henderson, a second-year RB, was removed from the team’s injury report on Friday after being a full practice participant this week.
On Thursday, he told reporters he was “ready to go” (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss).
New England achieved just 62 yards between Rhamondre Stevenson, newcomer Corey Kiner, and Lan Larison on national television in last week’s 13-10 loss at Seattle. The defeat, which was a supremely winnable game, could have been prevented with a stronger presence on the ground (among many other points).
Perhaps the insertion of Henderson, who’s coming off an ankle injury, can produce more of a spark against Pittsburgh’s formidable defense.
Linebacker Robert Spillane (knee) was also removed from the injury report. Spillane was limited during Wednesday’s practice, but participated fully on Thursday and Friday.
The veteran outside LB accumulated eight tackles versus the Seahawks in what was a solid showing by the Patriots’ defense. The unit will look to build off their strong performance Sunday.
1 out, 3 questionable
New England declared one player out on Friday: rookie offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover (knee). After playing a couple of special teams snaps in Week 1, he’ll miss Week 2.
The Patriots listed three players as questionable: offensive lineman Ben Brown (knee), cornerback Carlton Davis (neck), and LB Dre’Mont Jones (foot).
Davis, who’s CB2 next to star Christian Gonzalez, would be a considerable loss if he can’t play Sunday. The nine-year vet made three tackles in his start last week and helped keep the contest low-scoring.
Plus, New England isn’t deep — or much experienced — at the position. Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, and rookies Karon Prunty and Channing Canada fill out the team’s CB depth on the 53-man roster. Seven-year veteran Kindle Vildor is on the Patriots’ practice squad.
The potential loss of Jones would be significant, too. Jones, who debuted in 2019 and was signed by the Patriots in free agency, played 84.5 percent of defensive snaps and led the team in total pressures (6) with three quarterback hits, a pair of hurries, and one sack in Week 1.
Steelers status
New England’s opponent finds itself down one of their best defensive players.
The Steelers ruled CB Joey Porter Jr. (back) out after being limited in practice all week. He didn’t play in Pittsburgh’s season opener, either, and there may be more to his status than just his back ailment.
Porter Jr. and Pittsburgh appear to be in a Gonzalez-esque contract situation, except the former’s has bled into the regular season. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, “some close to the situation sensed a fracture in the relationship between Porter and the organization.” Doubts about his future with the Steelers exist.
The Steelers also listed wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and OT Tony Fautanu (ankle) as questionable.
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