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Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin has often said a player’s trajectory when it comes to participation in practice is often a telling sign if they will be available on game day. When it comes to the Steelers’ Week 1 match up against the New England Patriots, it is looking more likely that Sean Davis will not be suiting up in Foxborough Sunday night. Davis missed his second straight practice on Thursday according to the Steelers PR Department.
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Joining Davis on the injury report is Steelers linebacker Mark Barron. Listed as a coaches decision, Barron sat out of practice on Thursday, giving rookie Devin Bush the majority of the reps alongside veteran Vince Williams. With no specific injury designation, it seems that Barron will be fine to make his regular-season Steelers debut on Sunday.
With Davis missing his second straight practice, it appears more likely that Kam Kelly will get the start in his first NFL game.
Sean Davis DNP again today. Kam Kelly in line to make hi first NFL start against Tom Brady and the Patriots
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) September 5, 2019
While Mike Hilton is also a candidate to slide back to safety from his nickel cornerback position if needs be, Kelly will likely see a large number of snaps. The Steelers have not made their plans known for sure, a possibly wise strategy going into their season opener.
In regards to the rest of the roster, the Steelers are about as healthy as could be desired entering the season.
As for the Patriots’ injury report, there was no change from the report on Wednesday according to Patriots.com.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-0)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
No Players Listed.
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
TE Matt LaCosse, Ankle
S Obi Melifonwu, Ankle
Demaryius Thomas, Hamstring
FULL PARTICIPATION
No Players Listed.