WATCH: Ezekiel Elliott Scores TD for New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The New England Patriots struck first in their Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium

The New England Patriots are out to a fast start in the Steel City.

On the opening drive of their Thursday night matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Bailey Zappe led his team on an eight-play, 75-yard drive to find the end zone. The drive was highlighted by a 37-yard athletic grab by former Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Zappe capped the drive by flipping a short right pass to running back Ezekiel Elliott for the 11-yard touchdown reception and a 7-0 lead. 

Steelers kicker Chris Boswell added a 56-yard field goal on Pittsburgh ensuing drive, cutting the Patriots lead to 7-3. 

Zappe ➡️ Zeke! @baileyzappe04 | @EzekielElliott

📺: #NEvsPIT on @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/MB9eFOQWwj

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 8, 2023

This Week 14 matchup marks the second straight meeting between the two teams in as many seasons. Last year, the Patriots played at Pittsburgh in Week 2 and came away with a 17-14 victory. The Pats enter this matchup on the heels of a 6-0 Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Steelers are also hoping to return to their winning ways after a 24-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

New England Patriots RB Ezekiel Elliott / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Pats are without the services of lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson due to an ankle injury he suffered during New England’s Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. In addition, receivers Demario Douglas (concussion), Kayshon Boutte (shoulder) and DeVante Parker (knee) are also inactive. 

Patriots Zappe, Onwenu Among 3 to Watch vs. Steelers

The Pats elevated quarterback Malik Cunningham and running back Kevin Harris from their practice squad. Cunningham may be in line to see situational snaps against a Steelers defense known for its stifling pass rush led by linebacker T.J. Watt. He is expected to act as the primary backup to starter Bailey Zappe, with Mac Jones relegated to third on the depth chart for this game. For Harris, this will be his first elevation from the scout team this season. He is expected to help lessen the workload of lead running back Elliott. 

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