Michael Floyd has been banished to the Patriots' bench for the AFC Championship Game.
Floyd and rookie punt returner Cyrus Jones are among New England's inactives versus the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Now that outside receiver Malcolm Mitchell is recovered from a knee injury, the Patriots don't need Floyd's presence in a wideout rotation that includes Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola.
Although Mitchell hasn't played since Week 16, he hauled in 32 receptions for 401 yards and four touchdowns in a promising rookie campaign.
The Patriots are in better shape at wide receiver than they've been all season.
