Kyle Van Noy Headlines List of Patriots' Inactives for Sunday Night Football Against Steelers
By Scott Rogust
The New England Patriots begin their Super Bowl defense on Sunday Night Football against their AFC rivals in the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they'll have to do it without a few key guys after their list of inactives was revealed.
Here's who won't be suiting up for the Pats.
Some notable inactives for the Patriots tonight. Kyle Van Noy the most surprising. https://t.co/CbBoVqo0T2
— WEEI (@WEEI) September 8, 2019
Van Noy not being dressed for Sunday night's game is a shock, considering the role he played in the Patriots stifling the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII, but it's for a good reason.
The linebacker's wife is currently in labor with their first child.
#Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy is inactive tonight because his wife is in labor, source says. The team knew from early today this was a possibility.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 8, 2019
In a corresponding move, the Patriots activated tight end Matt LaCosse.
As for Demaryius Thomas, the veteran receiver has been dealing with a hamstring issue this past week. Obi Melifonwu's absence will be due to an ankle injury.
Couple of potential tight end matchup options — Obi Melifonwu (ankle) and Joejuan Williams (healthy scratch) — are inactive.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) September 8, 2019
Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) was limited in practice last week and is also inactive. pic.twitter.com/ifuwdvcGS0
Joejuan Williams, Damien Harris, Korey Cunningham and Byron Cowart are all healthy scratches.
With the Patriots having an embarrassment of riches on their roster (with Antonio Brown on the way), they'll be in great shape if they can get past the Steelers tonight.