Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick came into the season on a mission. He came in with a goal to win Defensive Player of the Year, and he's been quite incredible through three games. So far, he's racked up 24 tackles and two interceptions, including returning one of them for a touchdown in Week 1. Now, his status for Week 4 seems to be in doubt.
Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) intercepts ball against New England Patriots Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin announced that the superstar defender is in concussion protocol. As a result, his status for this Sunday against the New York Jets is in doubt now. This comes as news, as he may have suffered the injury in practice.
Elsewhere, the team signed Jordan Berry to the practice squad on Tuesday morning, as Pressley Harvin III is dealing with hip inflammation. Like Fitzpatrick, Harvin's status is in doubt for Week 4 as well. The same can be said for starting cornerback Akhello Witherspoon, who suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
After suffering the injury late in the game, Witherspoon failed to return to action. Before the injury, he struggled mightily against Browns star wide receiver Amari Cooper, continuing some of his struggles from the first few weeks of the season. If Witherspoon is unable to go, Arthur Maulet would likely start on the inside and in the slot, while Cam Sutton would likely be moved back the outside.
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Kevin Dotson is dealing with an ankle injury as well, but his status is unclear at the moment. Perhaps sophomore interior lineman Kendrick Green would earn a helmet in Week 4 if Dotson is unable to go. Fitzpatrick does seem to have a shot to play, and his loss to the defense would be massive. Tre Norwood is the team's backup free safety at the moment, but it would take a multitude of guys to replace Fitzpatrick's role and impact.
Which of these injuries are you most concerned about? What does the defense need to do in Week 4 in order to get more stops? Who should replace Fitzpatrick's role if he is unable to go? Share your opinions and thoughts in the comment section below. Also, be sure to interact with our social media sites, yinz!
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