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NFL·September 20, 2026 05:40 AM ET

Steelers look steadier than Patriots with Carlton Davis III out

Pittsburgh at New England is still scheduled and 0-0, but the Patriots already lost a key secondary piece before kickoff.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 201 min read
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Saturday injury news: — #Patriots CB Carlton Davis III has been downgraded to out vs the #Steelers. — #Rams WR Puka Nac

What happened: Pittsburgh at New England has not started yet, with the game still scheduled and the score at 0-0. Carlton Davis III was ruled out for the Patriots against the Steelers, which puts the spotlight on how New England handles this matchup without him.

Why it matters: That is enough to make the Steelers feel like the sturdier team, because New England's margin for error already looks thin before kickoff. If one downgrade can shift the conversation around the Patriots this much, skepticism is fair.

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