Patriots Downgrade Cornerback Carlton Davis Iii To Out Ahead Of Steelers Matchup

The New England Patriots will go against the Pittsburgh Steelers without Carlton Davis III.

The starting cornerback has officially been downgraded to out for Sunday’s home opener at Gillette Stadium due to a neck injury.

Davis, 29, had been listed as questionable on the final injury report of the week alongside offensive lineman Ben Brown and outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones. After being in attendance for a bonus practice in Foxborough on Monday, the veteran corner became a non-participant for three consecutive sessions.

“I don’t want to assume, but he’ll be questionable,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters during his Friday press conference. “We’ll have to see how he comes in here tomorrow. We’ll continue to evaluate and if the designation changes, we’ll update everybody.”

Davis started all 17 games upon signing a three-year deal as an unrestricted free agent in 2025, totaling 69 tackles and 10 passes defensed. The former Auburn Tiger, Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Detroit Lion proceeded to play 49 out of 50 snaps in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. That was the case despite briefly exiting in the first quarter of the Super Bowl LX rematch at Lumen Field after halting a carry for no gain.

In Davis’ absence, the list of candidates to step in across from extended All-Pro Christian Gonzalez start with 2025 waiver claim Charles Woods and team captain Marcus Jones. The options continue with fifth-round pick Karon Prunty and undrafted rookie Channing Canada on the 53-man roster, while Kindle Vildor resides on the practice squad.

On the other side of the line, the Steelers also downgraded wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to out on the eve of the meeting at Gillette Stadium due to a foot injury. The AFC North visitors previously ruled out cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who had been limited in practice for non-injury reasons, conditioning as well as a back ailment.

Sunday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.