Patriots Have Major Secondary Question Before Facing Aaron Rodgers
The New England Patriots spent the week thinking about Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt and everything else that comes with playing the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of their most important Week 2 developments, however, might be happening inside their own secondary.
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Starting cornerback Carlton Davis III is officially out for Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium because of a neck injury.
Davis did not participate in practice Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, having left his availability uncertain heading into the weekend.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel didn’t close the door on Davis playing when he spoke with reporters Friday. He instead indicated New England would see how the veteran cornerback progresses.
But then Saturday afternoon, the Patriots ruled him out for the game.
Davis gives New England experience on the outside, and potentially losing him creates another challenge for a defense trying to prevent Rodgers from finding favorable matchups.
CB Carlton Davis III has been downgraded to OUT for PIT vs. NE. pic.twitter.com/motU17ysil
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— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 19, 2026
Other Patriots News
New England does have some positive injury news.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson, who missed the opener with an ankle injury, carries no game designation after practicing fully Friday. Linebacker Robert Spillane also avoided a game designation.
Davis being out creates a different story.
The Patriots need their secondary to hold up long enough for their pass rush to affect Rodgers.
New England safety Kevin Byard has already made it clear that intercepting Rodgers remains one of the few quarterback achievements missing from his impressive career.
Actually creating that opportunity requires everyone around him to do his job.
Steelers Question Marks
Pittsburgh has injury uncertainty of its own, which could alter the receiving matchups by kickoff. But the biggest news comes from New England getting bad news on Saturday afternoon against a future Hall of Famer under center.
Read more Details on Dolphins Saturday roster moves. And news on Willis, new cornerback
Related: Mike Vrabel Praises Aaron Rodgers Ahead of Week 2 Matchup
Related: Vrabel Calls it Out: Patriots Need to Find Ground Game Fast
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This story was originally published September 19, 2026 at 4:19 PM.
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