Patriots expected to be without TE Matt LaCosse vs. the Steelers in Week 1

It may be hard for Pittsburgh Steelers fans to fathom, but there is actually a football game yet to be played in Week 1 of the 2019 regular season, and it will be against the New England Patriots.

The Patriots without newly acquired wide receiver Antonio Brown.

While the last 24 hours have been crazy and chaotic surrounding Brown’s release from the Oakland Raiders and signing with the Patriots, the Steelers remained focus on the task at hand — beat the Patriots in Week 1.

This is a tall order for any team, but when you throw in the fact they will be dropping their sixth Super Bowl banner on Sunday Night Football, it makes the task even more arduous.

But not impossible.

If there is one bright spot for the Steelers as they try to slow down Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense, it is the fact the team will continue to be decimated at the tight end position.

This report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport states it is unlikely the Patriots have Matt LaCosse at their disposal Sunday night, due to an ankle injury.

If LaCosse indeed can’t play, it would be the 3rd tight end on the team’s roster who wouldn’t be able to play in Week 1. Both Ben Watson and Lance Kendricks are serving suspensions, and LaCosse being out would leave the Patriots with little-to-no help at the tight end position heading into Week 1.

This might seem as if it is minor consolation prize for the black-and-gold, but fans should remember although the latest NFL news has left them in a funk, the team is still capable of claiming victory on Sunday Night Football.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for Week 1 tonight!