PITTSBURGH — The New England Patriots will have no depth at defensive tackle and can’t stack the line against Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell after ruling out Vincent Valentine and Woodrow Hamilton on Saturday.
The Patriots downgraded Valentine (back) and Hamilton (shoulder) from questionable to out Saturday night, indicating the two rookie defensive tackles didn’t travel to Pittsburgh. That leaves the Patriots with just Malcom Brown and Alan Branch at the traditional defensive tackle role. They also have Anthony Johnson, an interior pass rusher.
Patriots edge rushers Jabaal Sheard and Trey Flowers likely will see time at defensive tackle in the Patriots’ nickel defense.
Bell is one of the best running backs in the NFL. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick raved about him this week.
The Patriots’ run defense has been solid all season. Linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins will have more pressure on them this week with Valentine and Hamilton out. Collins did travel after being inactive in Week 6 with a hip injury.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
