Henderson gives Pats early lead

The Patriots aren’t able to cash in on Eli Raridon’s 30-yard catch, but they are able to get some points out of that drive after Andy Borregales connects on a 30-yard field goal.

It’s a 10-0 Patriots game.

The Patriots have already ruled out Mike Onwenu due to an ankle injury. Not surprising, but it’s a bad sign that New England immediately ruled him out just a minute or so after getting carted off the field.

It’s a 7-0 Patriots lead after 15 minutes.

New England now staring at a 3rd-and-10 from the 10-yard line.

Onwenu’s injury is the one of the few poor developments from an opening quarter where New England largely controlled play. Even Stevenson’s fumble didn’t come back to bite New England.

Awful news for the Patriots offensive line — as right guard Mike Onwenu is down with what appears to be a bad ankle/knee injury. He’s getting carted off the field.

He hopped over to the cart, but wasn’t putting any weight on that right left.

He’s a huge piece to this offensive line, especially in the run game.

Greg Van Roten is in for Onwenu at right guard.

A great play by Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon — who fights through a DPI to reel in a 30-yard reception. He draws a huge reception from the crowd. The 2026 third-round pick has made an immediate impact.

After Robert Spillane generates pressure against Aaron Rodgers and forces a hurried throw on 3rd down, Pittsburgh opts for a long field-goal attempt from Chris Boswell — but his attempt goes wide left.

Still a 7-0 Patriots lead with 4:10 to go.

Welcome back, TreVeyon Henderson.

He breaks free for a 39-yard touchdown run. It’s 7-0 Patriots with 8:22 to go in the first. Some impressive speed from the second-year pro, but also a few clutch blocks from Morgan Moses, Jared Wilson, and Pop Douglas.

4-play, 49-yard drive for New England.

7-0 Patriots.

Not a major surprise, but TreVeyon Henderson is starting at running back on this second drive of the afternoon. He gains five yards on a run up the middle on his first snap of the afternoon.

Pittsburgh doesn’t make Stevenson pay for that fumble — as the Steelers go 3-and-out again.

Gabe Jacas continues to make plays, as he puts Rodgers under duress and brings him down after not falling for the play-action. Good start for New England.

New England’s first drive of the day starts off with a bang, with Maye completing two passes for 39 yards — including a 30-yard pickup for Hunter Henry.

But all of that progress goes for naught, as Rhamondre Stevenson has the ball punched out and the Steelers recover the fumble.

Pittsburgh takes over on its own 31 — but it’s pushed back 15 yards due to unsportsmanlike conduct on Pittsburgh. Jalen Ramsey whistled on the play.

It was a brutal break for Stevenson, who only fumbled once in 153 touches after having a rough game against Pittsburgh

Good start for New England, as Pittsburgh goes 3-and-out.

Elijah Ponder does a good job setting the edge on Pittsburgh’s first play, while Christian Gonzalez forces an incompletion on 3rd down while glued to DK Metcalf.

Steelers punting.

Pittsburgh calls tails. It’s heads.

New England wins the toss and defer. Aaron Rodgers is up first against New England’s defense.

The Patriots take to the field, with individual starters on defense getting the final intro.

Christian Gonzalez goes last — and draws a raucous cheer from the crowd here.

Former Patriots great Drew Bledsoe is on the scene, taking in warmups from the sideline next to Robert Kraft.

No major shock with New England’s offensive line during warmups.

LT – Will Campbell
LG – Alijah Vera-Tucker
C – Jared Wilson
RG – Mike Onwenu
RT – Morgan Moses

New England’s O-line largely held up against Seattle, but they will have their hands full once again on Sunday with T.J. Watt on the prowl for Pittsburgh.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel spoke with Scott Zolak on 98.5 The Sports Hub ahead of kick-off.

In terms of making up for the loss of Carlton Davis, he mentioned that New England will rotate both Charles Woods and Marcus Jones in at outside corner for today’s game.

As far as who has to step up with A.J. Brown sidelined?

“Nobody has to step up, everybody has to do their job. That’s all they have to do, make sure they’re where they need to be when they’re supposed to be there.”

Both the Patriots and Steelers have now taken the field as part of warmups. We’ve got a great jersey matchup today — with New England rolling with the blue jersey and silver pants.

The Patriots have announced their inactives for today’s game.

Davis is a major loss in New England’s secondary, although the return of both TreVeyon Henderson and Ben Brown is a solid boost.

Efton Chism is set to make his season debut with A.J. Brown now on IR, while Dre’Mont Jones is good to go after being tabbed as questionable going into the game.

Drake Maye and the Patriots are on the scene. Shoutout Milton Williams for rocking with the Goonies t-shirt.

Greetings from Gillette Stadium. Drake Maye and the Patriots are aiming for a get-right game against the Steelers, although the upcoming rainy conditions aren’t going to help an offense that posted just 10 points against Seattle.