Pittsburgh Steelers rule out four players against Patriots, including two star players

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled out four players against the New England Patriots . Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. , safety DeShon Elliott, guard Max Scharping, and outside linebacker Alex Highsmith were ruled out.

Porter is battling a hamstring injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin did seem optimistic that Porter would end up playing, but instead he will miss his second straight day.

With Porter out, it would be cornerback Brandin Echols who will suit up instead. Echols had to play for Porter during the rest of the game after the team held Porter out as a precaution. During those snaps, Echols played outside cornerback.

Elliott has an MCL sprain and will miss his second straight game. The injury occurred on a run to the outside when Elliott was outside the pile of player