The Patriots downgraded cornerback Christian Gonzalez to out Saturday afternoon.
Gonzalez returned to practice this week for the first time since injuring his hamstring on July 28, but he was special for three practices.
Gonzalez today will miss his third straight game with the injury.
The ruling leaves the Patriots with Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Charles Woods and Kobee Minor at cornerback.
Expect Davis to cover Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf with Jones on Calvin Austin. The Steelers typically align in two-wide receiver sets, relying heavily on tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington. Expect Alex Austin to be used as the Patriots’ third cornerback in nickel sets.
Safeties Dell Pettus and Kyle Dugger could play bigger roles alongside starters Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson.
Minor was elevated from the practice squad along with linebacker Mark Robinson. This is Robinson’s third and final elevation from the practice squad. The Patriots do have an open spot on their 53-man roster if they want to promote him after this week.
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