FOXBORO – The Patriots will be without a couple of veterans as they open up the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kyle Van Noy and Demaryius Thomas headline the group of inactive players on Sunday. Also inactive are JoeJuan Williams, Obi Melifonwu, Damien Harris, Korey Cunningham and Byron Cowart.

Van Noy is, by far, the biggest surprise out of the inactives. The linebacker was injured this offseason, but [...]

FOXBORO – The Patriots will be without a couple of veterans as they open up the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kyle Van Noy and Demaryius Thomas headline the group of inactive players on Sunday. Also inactive are JoeJuan Williams, Obi Melifonwu, Damien Harris, Korey Cunningham and Byron Cowart.

Van Noy is, by far, the biggest surprise out of the inactives. The linebacker was injured this offseason, but Van Noy has been out at practice and wasn’t on the injury report this past week. As it turns out, the absence isn't injury related.

According to ESPN, Van Noy and his wife are expecting a baby, which is why he wasn't at the game. With Van Noy out, the Patriots have Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Elandon Roberts, Chase Winovich, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Shilique Calhoun at linebacker.

Thomas has been limited this past week with a hamstring injury and was limited all week. He rejoined the Patriots this week after being released on cut-down day. Melifonwu (ankle) is the only other injury-related inactive player on Sunday.

Williams, Harris, Cunningham and Cowart are healthy scratches.

The Patriots also have one surprise active in Matt LaCosse as the NFL Network reported on Sunday morning the tight end wouldn’t play. LaCosse was limited this week with an ankle injury. He missed most of training camp due to the ailment.

The Patriots biggest underdog, Gunner Olszewski will make his NFL debut.