The New England Patriots were back on the practice field on Thursday with two new names listed as non-participants on the injury report.
Along with Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry, Conor McDermott and Jabrill Peppers, the Patriots were also missing linebacker Anfernee Jennings and special-teamer Cody Davis. Both were listed as out with an illness.
Peppers being out is already a major concern, but the addition of Jennings could create serious problems for the Patriots defensively. Jennings has really stepped up in the outside linebacker role with four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon out with a torn biceps.
Here are the full injury reports for both teams on Thursday:
New England Patriots
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
| TE Hunter Henry | Knee | DNP | DNP | ||
| OT Conor McDermott | Concussion | DNP | DNP | ||
| S Jabrill Peppers | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | ||
| RB Rhamondre Stevenson | Ankle | DNP | DNP | ||
| DL Christian Barmore | Shoulder | LP | LP | ||
| Ja’Whaun Bentley | Knee | LP | LP | ||
| OT Trent Brown | Ankle/Hand | LP | LP | ||
| CB Jonathan Jones | Knee | LP | LP | ||
| SpT Matthew Slater | Hamstring | LP | LP | ||
| WR JuJu Smith-Schuster | Ankle | LP | LP | ||
| LB Jahlani Tavai | Ankle | LP | LP | ||
| S Cody Davis | Illness | DNP | |||
| LB Anfernee Jennings | Illness | DNP | |||
| OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. | Knee | FP |
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
Pittsburgh Steelers
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
| OLB Nik Bonitto | Knee | DNP | DNP | ||
| TE Greg Dulcich | Hamstring/Foot | DNP | DNP | ||
| RB Samaje Perine | Not injury-related/Rest | DNP | FP | ||
| OLB Jonathon Cooper | Ankle | LP | FP | ||
| T Alex Palczewski | Knee | LP | FP | ||
| DT Mike Purcell | Not injury-related/Rest | DNP | |||
| TE Chris Manhertz | Not injury-related/Rest | LP |
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
The good news for the Patriots is offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. being a full participant. With Brown dealing with injuries and McDermott still in concussion protocol, the team might need Wheatley to step up and contribute.
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