PITTSBURGH -- The New England Patriots ruled out top reserve defensive tackles Vincent Valentine (back) and Woodrow Hamilton (shoulder) for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which could affect the team's plans to adopt its standard three-man rotation at the position.
Valentine (6-foot-3, 320 pounds) and Hamilton (6-3, 315) add size and power behind starters Malcom Brown (6-2, 320) and Alan Branch (6-6, 350). The only other defensive tackle on the roster is 6-foot-2 Anthony Johnson, who said earlier this year that he's about 280 pounds.