FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The return to health of rookie New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell created some intrigue around the team's decisions about inactive players for Sunday's AFC Championship Game, and wide receiver Michael Floyd ended up being the odd man out. The decision on Floyd was foreshadowed on Saturday.
The Patriots could have benefited from having Floyd as a No. 5 option at receiver alongside Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Mitchell and Danny Amendola, but they have needs at other areas on the roster.
Floyd was part of two notable miscues in the divisional-round win over the Houston Texans on Jan. 14, with one pass from quarterback Tom Brady tipping off his hands and resulting in an interception.
In addition to Floyd, tackle LaAdrian Waddle, running back D.J. Foster, quarterback Jacoby Brissett, safety Jordan Richards and cornerbacks Justin Coleman and Cyrus Jones are inactive for the Patriots on Sunday. There are no surprises on the list.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers' inactive players are wide receiver Demarcus Ayers, quarterback Zach Mettenberger, cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz, linebacker L.J. Fort, defensive tackle Johnny Maxey, tackle Brian Mihalik and tight end Ladarius Green.
