The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the world on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. The black and gold were double-digit underdogs heading into the game, but somehow, head coach Mike Tomlin and his team walked away with a 20-18 win.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09:Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
It was just the second win in what's been a difficult season so far, improving the team's record to 2-4. Heading into the weekend, the biggest concern for the Week 6 matchup was the secondary. Minkah Fitzpatrick was ruled out with a knee injury. The team's top three cornerbacks were all ruled out with various injuries. The lone remaining starter was Terrell Edmunds, who was coming off a concussion himself.
In the midst of all of the injuries, it would be the perfect time for veteran safety, Damontae Kazee to make his Steelers debut on Sunday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins. He was expected to have a big role on defense, but suffered a wrist injury in training camp. Kazee was placed on the IR as a result, forcing him to miss the team's first four games, at minimum. Then, he was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. According to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Kazee was seen at the team facility on Monday.
Damontae Kazee was in the Steelers facility today. Eligible to come off IR and suspension is over. Could practice this week
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) October 17, 2022
Credit: Matt Freed/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Thankfully, the suspension only tacked one extra week to his return, as he was able to serve all but one week of it while on the IR. Now, he's eligible to return to practice on Monday. That means he could play on Sunday against the Dolphins, barring his health. It's unclear if his wrist is fully healed yet, but if it is, he could bring a much-needed physical presence. While it's encouraging that he was at the team facility on Monday, that doesn't fully mean he's ready to return to practice.
Defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin could even get creative and use him in coverage over the likes of inside linebacker Robert Spillane, who allowed six catches on Sunday. Spillane continues to be a liability, specifically in coverage, as Pro Football Focus gave him a team-worst 32.1 grade on Sunday. Kazee's physicality could also help Fitzpatrick focus on what he's best at: being a ball hawk.
Again, Fitzpatrick, or Kazee for that matter, aren't guaranteed to return to the field this upcoming weekend. If they are though, it allows Austin to be creative with his defense. The team will need just that in order to slow down Dolphins speedsters Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to come back from his concussion as well, so the defense will have their hands full.
With fill-ins at corner this past weekend, including James Pierre and Josh Jackson, the secondary held their own. They limited Tom Brady and the Bucs offense to just 243 yards through the air on Sunday. Brady and his crew haven't been able to get things going this season, but the Steelers secondary still deserves praise for their performance. With that, it's hard to see that continuing for long. That's why it's crucial that the starters, and Kazee, return to action sooner rather than later.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
If Fitzpatrick and a corner or two can return though, that would be huge. They're now slated with the enormous task of trying to slow down Hill, Waddle, and company in Miami. Hill is on pace to break Calvin Johnson's single-season receiving record, as he has 701 yards in six games in his first season with the Dolphins. Kazee would be a huge return to the Steelers' depleted secondary.
What should Kazee's role be if he returns this weekend? What are your expectations for the veteran? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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