The Steelers kick off today against defending AFC champion New England without two key starters, one on offense and one on defense.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. yesterday was downgraded to “out” with a foot injury on the team’s official injury list. He was a limited practice participant on Wednesday but missed practice on Thursday and Friday. Pittman caught three passes for 58 yards in the Steelers win over Atlanta last week.
Pittman’s absence will likely be covered by third-year pro Roman Wilson and rookie second-round draft pick Germie Bernard.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will miss a second straight week. He sat out last week due to conditioning after he missed all of training camp with a back injury, although it was also suspected it was because of contract extension negotiations. Porter walked off the practice field with a trainer on Thursday and was a limited participant on Friday. Yesterday he took part in the walkthrough. His designation on the injury list is “NIR (Not Injury Related)/conditioning/back”.
Starting left tackle Troy Fautanu is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury.
For New England, starting tackle Dametrious Crownover is out with a knee injury and starting cornerback Carlton Davis II will miss the game with a neck injury.
Kickoff today is at one o’clock.
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