The New England Patriots figure to be without a few key defensive players later today when they play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field and according to a Sunday morning report, they’ll likely be without one of their top wide receivers as well.
A surprise for today’s big game: Patriots WR Chris Hogan not expected to play vs Steelers as he continues recovery from shoulder injury, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2017
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan is not expected to play Sunday afternoon against the Steelers because of a shoulder injury. Hogan ended the week as questionable on the Patriots Friday injury report after being limited in practice all week.
In last year’s AFC Championship game against the Steelers, Hogan had 9 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns. With Hogan out, that leaves Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola as the Patriots top two wide receivers. Their wide receiver depth chart is rounded out by Phillip Dorsett, Kenny Britt and Matthew Slater. Britt, by the way, signed with the Patriots this past week.
On Sunday, the Patriots downgraded linebacker Kyle Van Noy and defensive back Brandon King from questionable to out on their injury report. On Friday, the Patriots listed defensive lineman Alan Branch as out for the Sunday game against the Steelers.
