The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a massive loss during their Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars when star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick sustained a hamstring injury early in the game. With a short week ahead, the Steelers quickly ruled Fitzpatrick out for the Thursday night showdown against the Tennessee Titans. This injury has left many in the organization concerned about the extent of his absence.
Matthew Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39).
Following the injury, Fitzpatrick underwent an MRI on Monday afternoon to assess the severity of the hamstring damage. The Steelers' medical team and coaching staff eagerly awaited the results, hoping for a more optimistic outlook on Fitzpatrick's recovery timeline. Their optimism was understandably influenced by the recent hamstring injuries to two other key players, wide receiver Diontae Johnson and tight end Pat Freiermuth. Johnson is now back in the lineup and has been a crucial role for helping this mediocre offense look at least average.
Steelers Worried Fitzpatrick May Miss Many More Games
Gerry Dulac, a reputable reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, provided some insight into the Steelers' perspective on Fitzpatrick's situation. He revealed that the Steelers are grappling with concerns that Fitzpatrick's absence may extend far beyond the Week 9 matchup.
“The Steelers are concerned their All-Pro safety could be out much longer.”
This statement from Dulac suggests that Fitzpatrick's injury might be more significant than initially anticipated.
Matt Durisko / AP
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee celebrates after a big play for the Steelers during the 2022 season.
In Fitzpatrick's absence, the Steelers will rely on veteran safety Damontae Kazee to step into the free safety position. This sudden shift will require Kazee to make a significant contribution to the team's defensive efforts.
Associated Press
Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin.
Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin shared his thoughts on the challenge of replacing Fitzpatrick, acknowledging that it is no easy task. He highlighted Fitzpatrick's exceptional skills and the critical role he plays in the team's defense.
"It’s hard. You’re not going to replicate that guy. He’s really good and he does a lot for us. We’ll do it by committee and hopefully get the committee in the right spots."
Austin implies that the Steelers will use a committee approach to help stop the bleeding without Fitzpatrick. Miles Killebrew, Keanu Neal and Patrick Peterson will make up that committee that Austin mentioned. This team-oriented approach underscores the need for other players to collectively step up and compensate for Fitzpatrick's absence.
As of the current moment, the Steelers have not committed to placing Fitzpatrick on the Injured Reserve (IR) list. This decision indicates that they are staying optimistic he will return sooner rather than later. However, the uncertainty surrounding the extent of his injury and his estimated recovery timeline remains a cause for concern among the Steelers and their fans, especially Dulac.
The absence of a key player like Fitzpatrick undoubtedly presents a significant challenge for the Steelers. The team of course, has also been without star defensive lineman Cam Heyward since Week 1 (groin injury). That has presented challenges upfront, especially stopping the run. The team must now navigate through a period without another one of their defensive stars in Fitzpatrick, and how well they manage this hurdle will undoubtedly impact their playoff hopes. Fitzpatrick's health and progress will be closely monitored, and the Steelers are hopeful that his absence will not extend indefinitely, as suggested by some concerns within the organization.
It is important for the Steelers to maintain their resilience and adaptability as they face this setback. The collective effort of the team, as highlighted by Coach Austin, will play a crucial role in their ability to overcome this challenge and continue striving for success in the NFL.
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