24 Stephon Gilmore CB

Gilmore finished the 2017 regular season with 50 tackles and two interceptions in 13 games.

Expectations were high after the cornerback sign a five-year, $65 million contract with the Patriots this offseason, but Gilmore endured a rough start to his 2017 campaign. His play improved as the season rolled along, however, and the 27-year-old is poised to remain a mainstay in the New England secondary for the foreseeable future.

Gilmore recorded eight tackles (all solo) and a pass breakup in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Steelers.

The eight tackles are by far Gilmore's most in a game this season and therefore shouldn't be considered the norm. The 27-year-old played every defensive snap Sunday, which is a good sign considering he came into the game nursing an ankle injury.

Gilmore (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Gilmore was battling this injury ahead of Week 14's game against the Dolphins, but he still played 73 defensive snaps and made three solo tackles. The sixth-year pro will likely play a similar snap count Sunday lined up against a strong Steelers' receivers corps.

Gilmore (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Gilmore was a limited participant at practice all week, which was also the case in Week 14 before he ultimately suited up for the Patriots in their Monday night loss to the Dolphins. It's expected the cornerback will be ready to go despite the shorter turnaround this week, though he'll have the unenviable task of covering Antonio Brown for most of the day.

Gilmore (ankle) is officially active for Monday's game against the Dolphins.

Gilmore was a limited participant in practice this week and was listed as questionable. However, he always seemed likely to play. The Patriots' secondary may have their work cut out for them Monday with Trey Flowers (ribs) and Kyle Van Noy (calf) -- the team's two leaders in sacks -- inactive Monday.