The Pittsburgh Steelers signed safety Damontae Kazee in the off-season, expecting him to become the team's third safety. He's yet to make his debut after suffering an arm injury in the preseason, ultimately ending up on the IR. Then, he was dealt a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
As the team comes out of a bye this week against the New Orleans Saints, Kazee is expected to return to action. He told reporters on Monday that he fully expects to be activated off the IR. According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Kazee's injury was perhaps even more serious than we thought:
Steelers S Damontae Kazee says he broke his whole forearm in the preseason, but he expects to be activated before Thursday.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 7, 2022
Had nine screws and a plate put in.
Perhaps that explains why his return has taken longer than expected, even with the suspension. Kazee must be activated by Thursday in order to play for the Steelers this season. Thursday marks the end of the 21-day window since he began practicing with the team.
The veteran safety has made 49 starts in his 6-year NFL career. He'll provide physicality for the Steelers defense, something they have been missing at times this season. When he was signed, it was thought that he would provide competition to Terrell Edmunds. Edmunds eventually won the starting safety job next to Minkah Fitzpatrick, and has since enjoyed a very good season so far in 2022.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
It's assumed that defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will deploy three-safety lineups on the field quite often. Kazee's presence will help make up for the banged up secondary as of late. What are your expectations for Kazee's return to the lineup? Should we see a lot of three-safety lineups out on the field? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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