Steelers vs. Patriots Week 3: Game Preview, How to Watch and Key Injury Updates
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Foxborough, Mass. — September 21, 2025 – The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots are set for a pivotal Week 3 clash at Gillette Stadium, with both teams looking to rebound from shaky starts to the season.
Game Day Details
- Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots
- Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- Broadcast (U.S.): CBS
- Live Stream: Paramount+
Injury Report
New England Patriots
- CB Christian Gonzalez (Hamstring) – Out
- FB Jack Westover (Hamstring) – Questionable
- DE Keion White (Illness) – Questionable
Pittsburgh Steelers
- S DeShon Elliott (Knee) – Out
- LB Alex Highsmith (Ankle) – Out
- CB Joey Porter Jr. (Hamstring) – Out
- OL Max Scharping (Knee, torn ACL) – Out, season-ending
- DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) – Questionable
The Steelers’ defense has been battered by injuries, losing starters like Highsmith, Elliott, and Porter Jr. in the same week, while the Patriots will be without their top cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Both teams will look to overcome depth challenges with key roster adjustments, including Pittsburgh elevating running back Trey Sermon after Scharping’s season-ending injury.
With kickoff at 1 p.m. ET on CBS, this AFC matchup will test which team can steady itself before the season slips further away.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain.
Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career.
Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24.
Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense.
The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture.
However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition.
Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities.
For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.
