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Patriots Downgrade Valentine, Hamilton to Out vs. Steelers

It looks like the Patriots will be a little thin in their interior defensive line against one of the league’s best rushers. Valentine will miss Sunday’s contest with a back injury while Hamilton is dealing with an ailing shoulder.

DTs Vincent Valentine (back) and Woodrow Hamilton (shoulder) have been downgraded to out for the Patriots.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 23, 2016

Starters Malcolm Brown and Alan Branch will likely see more playing time with Valentine and Wilson on the shelf. New England has the ninth-ranked rushing defense (92 yards-per-game) while Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell is averaging 5.