Carlton Davis and Dametrious Crownover miss Patriots practice before Steelers opener

The Patriots listed cornerback Carlton Davis III and offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover as nonparticipants Thursday, adding uncertainty to two parts of the lineup before Sunday's home opener against Pittsburgh.

Davis missed a second consecutive practice with a neck issue. Crownover missed his second straight session with a knee issue. The official report listed center Ben Brown and linebacker Dre'Mont Jones as limited, while running back TreVeyon Henderson and linebacker Robert Spillane were full participants.

The report does not assign a Sunday game status yet. Davis' absence matters because New England is preparing for a Steelers offense led by Aaron Rodgers, with Pittsburgh also listing receiver Michael Pittman Jr. as a nonparticipant because of a foot issue. The Patriots' defensive plan could change depending on whether Davis can return Friday.

Davis was one of New England's major offseason additions to the secondary. If he remains unavailable, the Patriots will have to use their depth around Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones against Pittsburgh's outside receivers. That decision affects how often New England can play its preferred coverage combinations and how much help the safeties must provide.

Crownover's absence creates a separate question at tackle. The rookie had been part of the club's young offensive-line evaluation, and another missed practice gives the staff less time to settle its protection plan before facing Pittsburgh's front. The official report lists no Patriots player as out. The Friday report will show whether Brown's limited work is enough to keep the interior line intact or whether New England needs another reshuffle.

New England opened the season with a 13-10 loss at Seattle. The Steelers game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern at Gillette Stadium. Friday's final injury report will determine whether Davis and Crownover can play and which replacement packages the Patriots must prepare.