Wendell a surprise inactive for Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) Offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, who was not on New England's injury report this week, is inactive for Thursday night's opener against Pittsburgh.

Wendell, listed as the first-string right guard on the Patriots' depth chart, was on the team's physically unable to perform list until two weeks ago.

The Patriots already were missing injured center Bryan Stork.

Several injured players were scratched, including veteran safety Tavon Wilson (quadriceps).

The Steelers scratched third-string quarterback Landry Jones and 2015 draftees WR Sammie Coates, TE Jesse James and DE L.T. Walton.

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