Steelers vs Patriots – as Bailey Zappe Takes the Mantle of New England’s Starter, 12 Join Kenny Pickett on the Sidelines

Several players are on the injured list. The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face off against the New England Patriots around 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 7 at Acrisure Stadium. However, on one side, Pats QB Bailey Zappe will be taking the field for the second time this regular season, while on the other hand, the Steelers will be without their starter quarterback Kenny Pickett.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) are coming off a loss to the Arizona Cardinals 24-10. The Patriots, on the other hand, with a record of 2 wins and 10 losses, are just one loss away from equaling the most losses in a season coached by Bill Belichick. According to NFL history, the 1995 Browns and the 2000 Patriots hold the current record with 11 losses. Meanwhile, before the Week 14 matchup, the Pats and Steelers released their injury report that caused concerns for both the teams.

Who are the other players not on the active list for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots?

According to the latest Patriots’ injury report, WR DeVante Parker (knee), CB Shaun Wade (illness), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), WR Kayshon Boutte (shoulder), and WR Demario Douglas (concussion) are out for the Week 14 Thursday night football game. Moreover, players like RB Jamycal Hasty (coach’s decision), and OT Vederian Lowe (undisclosed reason) are also out for the game.

As far as the Pittsburgh Steelers players are concerned, the QB Kenny Pickett had surgery on Monday for a high ankle sprain. Therefore, he will be out for the TNF showdown and is likely to return in the Ravens’ game. Another player, cornerback James Pierre, is also inactive due to a shoulder injury. Not only them, additionally, other players like running back Anthony McFarland, offensive tackle Dylan Cook, linebacker Markus Golden, and defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal are also not playing in the game.

Read more: Do You Know Why Opponents Hate Steelers QB Kenny Pickett On The NFL Pitch For The ‘Last 5 Minutes?’

However, after being questionable during the week, RB Najee Harris will be active for the game. Now the question is who will now replace the quarterback of Pittsburgh?

A replacement & a hope!

In the recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Steelers were trailing by two scores in the third quarter. The Kenny Pickett replacement QB Mitch Trubisky, threw a pass to tight end Conor Heyward, narrowly avoiding Cardinals defenders.

Although Heyward couldn’t catch the pass, it showcased the type of quarterback play the Pittsburgh Steelers can expect from Trubisky. This comes as Trubisky is set to step in for quarterback Pickett once again, as the starter QB is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks due to a right high ankle sprain and subsequent surgery.

The Pittsburgh Steelers believe that Trubisky’s mentality and confidence could provide a positive impact on the offense.

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