Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick has returned to his All-Pro level of play in 2022. He was named as a starter for the AFC in the 2022 Pro Bowl Games. Just after that, he kept the Steelers' playoff hopes alive with a game-sealing interception in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens. On Friday, he was named the team's MVP for the season, as voted on by his teammates.
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While his six interceptions are tied for the league lead, he may not get to add to that total in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns. Sitting at 8-8, the black and gold obviously need a win to keep their postseason chances alive. Fitzpatrick, who has already missed two games earlier this season, has officially been listed as questionable with an ankle injury.
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Losing him for this playoff-like game would be devastating. While Terrell Edmunds has played excellent alongside Fitzpatrick this year, he's one of those irreplaceable players. It's why general manager Omar Khan made him the highest-paid safety in league history last off-season with a four-year, $73.6 million deal.
There's more negative news in the secondary too, as backup safety Tre Norwood has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. While Norwood hasn't seen the field as much as his 2021 rookie campaign, he's still a decent depth option. The second-year DB has started three games in 2022. It will be Norwood's second straight absence, as he was inactive in the team's Week 17 victory over the Ravens. He would've seen more playing time if Fitzpatrick is unable to go.
Linebacker Myles Jack has seemingly been on the injury report all season with a multitude of injuries. Like Fitzpatrick, he is listed as questionable for Week 18 with a groin injury. He has missed two games in his first season in Pittsburgh. After missing Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers, Jack has returned in limited capacity over the last two games. In fact, he's played just 22 defensive snaps in the two contests.
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Rookie Mark Robinson finally saw some action in Week 17, his first extended look on defense in his first season. Earlier in the week, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin stated that Devin Bush will see more playing time in Week 18. While that will limit Robinson's snaps, he will likely stay active if Jack is unable to go. Robert Spillane remains in the mix as well, as he's seen an increase in playing time over the past few months. The veteran has enjoyed arguably the best season of his five-year career.
Are you concerned about this defense if Fitzpatrick and/or Jack are unable to play? What is your prediction against the Browns in Week 18? Should the team let Robinson continue to see the field on defense? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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