The Patriots downgraded cornerback Christian Gonzalez to out Saturday afternoon.

Gonzalez returned to practice this week for the first time since injuring his hamstring on July 28, but he was limited for three practices.

Gonzalez now will miss his third straight game with the injury.

The ruling leaves the Patriots with Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin and Charles Woods at cornerback.

Expect Davis to cover Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf with Jones on Calvin Austin. The Steelers typically align in two-wide receiver sets, relying heavily on tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington. Expect Alex Austin to be used as the Patriots’ third cornerback in nickel sets.

Safeties Dell Pettus and Kyle Dugger could play bigger roles alongside starters Jaylinn Hawki

See Full Page