The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on Sunday, as the team announced Saturday that he was ruled out due to appendicitis. Here’s what you should know.
- Through seven games this season, Fitzpatrick has recorded 45 total tackles and three interceptions, including a pick-six against the Bengals in Week 1.
- In June, the safety agreed to terms with Pittsburgh on a four-year extension worth $18.4 million per season, with $36 million guaranteed at signing.
- The Steelers officially activated T.J. Watt on Saturday, and the linebacker said Friday that he will play in the Week 10 matchup against the Saints.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
How Fitzpatrick’s absence impacts the Steelers’ defense
Just when it looked like Watt’s return would bring an underperforming Pittsburgh defense back to full strength, another Pro Bowler will now be sidelined.
Fitzpatrick is a critical piece of the Steelers’ secondary, as a ballhawking difference-maker on the back end. He was one of the bright spots on a Steelers secondary that has allowed the second-most passing yards per game (277.3) and the second-most completions of 20 yards or more (36). His instinctive play and versatility will be hard to replace. This week, especially, it will present an unexpected challenge, as Fitzpatrick practiced the entire week and planned to play. — DeFabo
AN ABSOLUTE BALLHAWK@minkfitz_21 | 📺 #PITvsCIN on CBS | NFL+ https://t.co/E0NYNUzFXC pic.twitter.com/OTa0akC5Ij
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 11, 2022
Who could step in?
Reserve safety Damontae Kazee was recently activated from injured reserve Thursday. He was expected to see time in a variety of roles, including in personnel grouping with three safeties on the field. Instead, he could be the first option to slide into a starting role. Versatile defensive back Tre Norwood, who has played strong and free safety this season, would be another possibility in the secondary. — DeFabo
Advertisement
How long might Fitzpatrick be out?
This is the second game this season Fitzpatrick has missed. He also sat out Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a knee injury. Based on the nature of the latest ailment, Fitzpatrick’s absence could linger beyond just one week. — DeFabo
Required reading
- Steelers defense gets help in William Jackson, Damontae Kazee. Will it make a difference?
- Why T.J. Watt’s return is so crucial, as told by his 10 fellow defensive starters
- Saints at Steelers spread, line, picks: Expert predictions for Week 10 NFL game with T.J. Watt eyeing returning
(Photo: Eric Hartline / USA Today)