It wasn't too long ago that Stevan Ridley was a 1,200-yard rusher for the Patriots.
But after suffering a torn ACL, his New England career came to a swift end and he's bounced around the NFL.
Now, the Steelers backup running back is very much looking forward to getting a shot at his former team.
The Boston Globe has Ridley saying he wants this game “more than any other game.” The Globe also writes that the Steelers season has been a soap opera, and this meeting with New England is the next episode. The Globe looks at the receiver duo of Phillip Dorsett and Chris Hogan having a diminishing role in the Patriots offense. The Globe Patriots notebook notes that Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed practice due to his rib injury. The Globe has Steelers coach Mike Tomlin continuing to consider Rob Gronkowski a “dangerous man.”
The Boston Herald writes that Stephen Gostkowski is moving on from his tough day in Miami. The Herald has Ridley saying the Patriots “trashed” him after his injury. The Herald declares that the Steelers are the perfect cure for the Patriots Miami hangover. The Herald notes that New England is remarkably healthy heading into the Steelers showdown. The Herald passes along Bill Belichick with plenty of good things to say about Big Ben and the Steelers offense.
The Providence Journal has defensive tackle Danny Shelton admitting that he’s frustrated after being a healthy scratch for each of the last two games. The ProJo writes that the Patriots defense hopes to put its road woes in the past with this trip to Pittsburgh.
ESPNBoston.com writes that Patriots linebackers coach and de facto defensive coordinator Brian Flores held himself accountable following the loss in Miami.
ESPN.com writes that the Steelers are managing a tailspin and the Patriots offer no easy escape. ESPN.com looks at the lopsided rivalry between Brady and Ben.
WEEI.com wonders if change could be in the works in the Patriots secondary heading into the Steelers game. WEEI.com notes that Steelers safety Sean Davis sounds pretty intent on not letting Gronkowski make plays down the field. WEEI.com passes along Gisele talking about Brady on a recent TV appearance.
NBC Sports Boston notes that a week after Brandon Bolden ran all over the Patriots, another former New England back is looking for revenge against the team. NBC Sports Boston writes that the biggest issue with the New England defense is that it’s getting run over, an issue that’s a “massive liability.” NBC Sports Boston says that Gisele still can’t get Brady to retire.
NFL.com has the league announcing that the 2020 draft will be held in Las Vegas.
NESN.com writes that rookie cornerback J.C. Jackson is confidently ready to cover the NFL’s best receivers.
Forbes.com writes that the Patriots cap space will ebb and flow before the 2019 league year arrives.
