Steelers S Damontae Kazee Returns to Practice, Could Be Activated Soon

Steelers safety Damontae Kazee has returned to practice and his 21-day window to be activated off injured reserve is now open, the team announced on Thursday.

Kazee was injured against the Detroit Lions when he suffered a broken bone in his arm. Later on in the process, Kazee was suspended for substance abuse, but his suspension is already served up. So, whenever Kazee is able to return to the field, he will be able to play.

Earlier in the week, Kazee was seen running off to the side to ramp up his conditioning. The Steelers now have until November 10th, which is the Thursday before the Steelers’ game against the New Orleans Saints, to activate Kazee off injured reserve. Should he not be activated, Kazee will be out for the season.

Kazee joined the team in May after being signed to a one-year contract. He impressed in training camp while Minkah Fitzpatrick nursed a wrist injury. Pittsburgh would like to see Kazee join the rotation and potentially use the three-safety set that they explored using in the preseason.

Damontae Kazee was a starter for the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 after signing there as a free agent. He recorded 52 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended and a lot of forced fumbles.

A fifth-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, Kazee played sparingly as a rookie, but quickly moved into a starting role for Atlanta in his second season in 2018. That year, he set career highs in tackles with 82, passes defended with 10 and seven interceptions, which also led the NFL.