Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick Speaks Out On Intense Argument With Diontae Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been without star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick since he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They are set to get him back this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, and it couldn't come at a better time. Sitting at 7-4, the AFC North squad is gearing up to make a return to the playoffs. While the safeties have stepped up admirably in the star's absence, particularly Trenton Thompson, the defense still missed him. 

Not only has Fitzpatrick become a dominant force on the field, but he's one of the team's leaders. Recently, it was reported that Fitzpatrick got into a heated argument in the locker room with wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The altercation took place after the Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns. On Friday, via ESPN's Brooke Pryor, the star safety talked about what happened in that argument with his teammate.

"It's a brotherhood. Brothers fight. I got a younger brother, me and him butt heads sometimes. Sometimes I put him in a headlock. And sometimes he’s got to give me a little push or shove just to let him me know he's there. It’s a brotherhood. That's how we love each other sometimes. And at the end of the day, we all make amends. We move forward and chase the same goal together.”

Leadership. If you remember, Johnson wasn't exactly happy with his lack of touches in that game. He was coming off his second consecutive game with less than 20 receiving yards, which led to frustration. Reportedly, he carried those frustrations into the locker room, and Fitzpatrick felt the need to step in. He wasn't the only one either, as TJ Watt and Cam Heyward had to eventually separate the two.

The Steelers haven't had those three defensive stars in the lineup together since Week 1. Fitzpatrick, Watt, and Heyward are the team's best players, but they also provide invaluable veteran leadership. It's especially crucial when you have as young of a team as the Steelers have, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. There has been discussion on the team's lack of leadership on offense, but the defensive trio helps make up for that.

What Should The Steelers Expect From Fitzpatrick Moving Forward?

Earlier in the week, veteran safety Damontae Kazee told the media that the safety group was fully expecting Fitzpatrick's return in Week 13. Shortly thereafter, the three-time Pro Bowler returned to practice. He was a full participant on Friday once again, which all but confirmed his return against the Cardinals this weekend. 

It'll be a huge jolt to a defense that has been dominant as of late. They will need more of that moving forward if they want to make the playoffs, and Fitzpatrick will need to be himself. In seven games in 2023, he has yet to record an interception, sack, tackle for loss, or even forced fumble. He's had to play out of position, but now, he should be able to return to his natural free safety spot.

That should mean more game-changing plays from Fitzpatrick. Based off his comments, both he and Johnson have moved on from their argument nearly two weeks ago. The team will need Johnson to be fully engaged for the rest of the season, as he's had some boneheaded mistakes recently. If he's not, Fitzpatrick will surely be there to hold him accountable.

Are you concerned about Johnson's antics moving forward? How big of an impact will Fitzpatrick have on the defense in his return to the lineup in Week 13? Is the offense lacking a clear leader like Fitzpatrick? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

#SteelerNation