Steelers FS Minkah Fitzpatrick Ruled Out vs. Ravens

BALTIMORE — All-Pro Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will miss his third consecutive game with a knee injury when the Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

Fitzpatrick had been listed as questionable to play after returning to practice this week, but was ruled out and made inactive just before the start of warmups on Saturday.

The three-time All-Pro has had a miserable season, playing in just 10 games while missing time with a hamstring injury, playing through a broken hand, and now the left knee injury that has had him out since the second quarter of the Steelers’ Week 15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Eric Rowe has been elevated from the practice squad and is expected to make his third consecutive start in place of Fitzpatrick, with Patrick Peterson moving from cornerback to safety to fill the other slot.

Damontae Kazee is serving the final game of his three-game suspension, and Trenton Thompson (neck) and Keanu Neal (rib) remain out with injuries. Elijah Riley and Miles Killebrew will serve as depth at the position on Saturday.

Fitzpatrick earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod despite the injury plagued season. In 10 games, he has recorded 64 tackles, one tackle for a loss and defended three passes this season.

The Steelers need a win over the Ravens and to get some help in Week 18 to continue their season, and provide hope that Fitzpatrick may be able to continue his season in the playoffs.

REALTED: Minkah Fitzpatrick, T.J. Watt, Miles Killebrew Named to AFC Pro Bowl Roster