Patriots rule out key starter in Week 2 matchup against Steelers

Injuries have hit both the Pittsburgh Steelers and their Week 2 opponent, the New England Patriots, pretty hard ahead of Sunday’s matchup. But one of the biggest losses belongs to the Patriots, who just received some bad injury news.

On Saturday, the Patriots downgraded standout cornerback Carlton Davis III, who’s been battling a neck injury, from questionable to out for the Week 2 matchup against the Steelers.

CB Carlton Davis III has been downgraded to OUT for PIT vs. NE. pic.twitter.com/motU17ysil

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 19, 2026

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Despite playing 49 out of 50 defensive snaps, Davis appeared to suffer his neck injury in the Patriots’ Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the contest with three combined tackles.

With Davis sidelined, the Patriots will most likely lean heavily on cornerback Charles Woods, who will now likely work opposite elite outside cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Slot cornerback Marcus Jones could also see some additional playing time in Davis’ absence.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Patriots rule out key starter in Week 2 matchup against Steelers