The New England Patriots will have a single standard elevation on hand versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The organization called up punter Mitch Wishnowsky from the practice squad on the eve of Sunday’s meeting at Gillette Stadium.
Wishnowsky, 34, gets his second appearance in as many weeks with incumbent punter Bryce Baringer beginning the regular season on injured reserve. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound vested veteran, who signed to the practice squad at its formation, averaged 44.3 yards per punt and 42.0
net yards per punt in his September debut versus the Seattle Seahawks.
While also serving as the holder for long snapper Julian Ashby and kicker Andy Borregales on a 50-yard field goal, three of his four punts were downed inside the opposing 20-yard line at Lumen Field. No touchbacks were logged.
Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft at No. 110 overall, Wishnowsky spent six campaigns in the NFC West before making stops with the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills. The former Ray Guy Award winner via Australia, Santa Barbara City College and the University of Utah stands 106 games into his career with 352 punts worth 15,997 yards, including a long of 74.
The right-footed specialist is scheduled to revert to the practice squad after the home opener. Three standard elevations loom as the league limit before a 53-man roster move would be required from him to take the field.
The Patriots ruled out offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover on the final injury report ahead of the Steelers matchup and have since downgraded cornerback Carlton Davis III. Interior offensive lineman Ben Brown and outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones move forward with questionable game designations.
Sunday’s kickoff in Foxborough is set for 1 p.m. ET.
