Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won’t be the only key offensive player missing when the Steelers face the Patriots on Sunday.
The team has ruled out three others ahead of the game. Running back DeAngelo Williams, wide receiver Markus Wheaton and right tackle Marcus Gilbert will also miss the game.
Williams has a knee injury and his absence will leave Fitzgerald Toussaint as the backup to Le’Veon Bell. Wheaton has been dealing with a shoulder injury all season and will miss his fourth game of the year while Gilbert will be replaced by Chris Hubbard for the third straight week.
The Steelers ruled out defensive end Cam Heyward earlier this week. Safety Shamarko Thomas will miss a second straight game with a groin injury, which impacts the Steelers more on special teams than on the defensive side of the ball.