Patriots LB Elandon Roberts (thigh) has been added to the injury report Saturday. He is questionable. Roberts, who plays on early downs and often comes off the field in passing situations, is the only player on the team's injury report.
Perhaps tops among the challenges for the Steelers' defense Sunday is stopping Gronkowski, who has five TDs in his past five games against them.
Josh Gordon: Always good to follow Tom Brady's lead.
The Patriots had the following players in for workouts: LB Sam Eguavoen (Texas Tech), T Ryker Mathews (BYU) and WR Tim Wilson (East Stroudsburg). They could be considerations as future signings for 2019. Eguavoen (Saskatchewan) and Mathews (Hamilton) play in CFL.
The Patriots removed CB Stephon Gilmore (ankle) and TE Dwayne Allen (knee) from the injury report. So they have no players on their final injury report of the week, as everyone is available to them for Sunday's game vs. the Steelers. Allen hasn't played since Nov. 11 vs. the Titans.
Tom Brady says he was asleep before kickoff of the Chiefs-Chargers game last night. When asked if the Chiefs' loss gives the Patriots an extra push, Brady said that the mindset isn't about other teams, only the Patriots.
Josh Gordon, donning a "Fear of God" hat, says that when Tom Brady offers his time and advice, anyone would be wise to capitalize on the opportunity.
One year after the controversial ruling, the Steelers and Patriots hope to keep Sunday's outcome out of the hands of the officials.
Bill Belichick opens his news conference asking if everyone has their shopping done. He obviously hasn't. "Christmas comes at an inconvenient time, right in the middle of football season," he said, smiling.
Stevan Ridley didn't shy away from his remark that the Pats "trashed" him after a 2014 injury and said he has had Sunday's game "circled on the schedule a long time."
Gronk: "It's always popping in Pittsburgh."
Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores took the blame for the Miracle in Miami, part of his "straight-shooter" approach that appeals to players.
DT Danny Shelton says this is the first time in his NFL career that he has been a healthy scratch two weeks in a row, but he is keeping a positive mindset. He said one focus is working better with his hands as he looks to get himself back on the 46-man game-day roster.
The Patriots had full participation from every player throughout Wednesday's practice, according to their injury report. Only two players are listed on the injury report -- CB Stephon Gilmore (ankle) and TE Dwayne Allen (knee) -- and both went wire to wire in practice.
Bill Belichick, when asked if Stephen Gostkowski is the type of player who could use some reassurance after missing his first PAT of the season and a 42-yard FG, said: "Steve's kicked in the league a long time. ... Nobody takes it more seriously than Steve does. So I have a lot of confidence in him."
Bill Belichick didn't agree with a question that suggested the Patriots would be facing a Steelers team that is lacking confidence because of a three-game losing streak. "I think if you guys are around competitive guys, you wouldn't see that. So I don't give that any credibility at all. Competitive people compete. That's what they do. That's certainly what the Steelers are. I'm sure we'll get their best. I think they'll get our best. And we'll see what happens."
The Steelers will try to put an end to their three-game losing streak with the spectre of Tom Brady and the Patriots due up on Sunday.
Ben Roethlisberger needs a win against Tom Brady to bolster the Steelers' playoff hopes, but history suggests that won't be easy.
Saquon Barkley hit nearly 22 mph Sunday, and while it wasn't the top max speed this season, it topped the time of 329-pound Linval Joseph.
The Raiders could own April. The offseason quarterback situation is going to be fascinating. And every team has needs somewhere.
The auction bidding for the shoes Tom Brady wore against the Vikings is significantly higher than the cleats for other players.
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England | 9 | 4 | 0 | .692 | 364 | 293 |
| Miami | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | 278 | 333 |
| Buffalo | 4 | 9 | 0 | .308 | 201 | 320 |
| New York | 4 | 10 | 0 | .286 | 292 | 359 |
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(23) | Isaiah Wynn | OG | Georgia |
| 1(31) | Sony Michel | RB | Georgia |
| 2(24) | Duke Dawson | CB | Florida |
| 5(6) | Ja'Whaun Bentley | ILB | Purdue |
| 6(4) | Christian Sam | OLB | Arizona State |
| 6(36) | Braxton Berrios | WR | Miami (FL) |
| 7(1) | Danny Etling | QB | LSU |
| 7(25) | Keion Crossen | CB | Western Carolina |
| 7(32) | Ryan Izzo | TE | Florida State |
