Pittsburgh Steelers rule out five players for Patriots game, including star pass rusher

FOXBOROUGH, Ma. -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled out five players for their game against the New England Patriots . Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, safety DeShon Elliott , and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. were all ruled out on Friday.

Porter is battling a hamstring injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin did seem optimistic that Porter would end up playing, but instead he will miss his second straight game.

With Porter out, it would be cornerback Brandin Echols who will suit up instead. Echols had to play for Porter during the rest of the game after the team held Porter out as a precaution. During those snaps, Echols played outside cornerback.

Elliott has an MCL sprain and will miss his second straight game. The injury occurred on a run to the outside when Elliott was outside th