FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins is inactive for the New England Patriots for the first time this season.
The rookie has two receptions in the last two games after catching the winning touchdown pass with 5 seconds left in a 30-27 win over the New Orleans Saints. He was not on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Starting cornerback Aqib Talib also is inactive for the Patriots for the third straight game with a hip injury.
For the Steelers, starting right guard David DeCastro is inactive with a right ankle injury. Also inactive for Pittsburgh are quarterback Landry Jones, wide receiver Markus Wheaton, cornerback Curtis Brown, tight end Richard Gordon, linebacker Kion Wilson and defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo.
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