Steelers Injury Updates: Minkah Fitzpatrick Cleared; Ahekllo Witherspoon Out vs Bengals

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick does not have an injury status for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals and appears set to play just eight days after having an appendectomy.

Fitzpatrick was a full participant in the team’s practice for a second consecutive day on Friday. Both Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said that he would play if cleared to do so.

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It’s not clear if he will be able to take his usual amount of reps — Fitzpatrick frequently plays ever down for the Pittsburgh defense — but veteran backup Damontae Kazee had an excellent game against the New Orleans Saints and is ready to be called upon, if necessary.

The Steelers have just one player that does have an injury status for Sunday. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon will miss his second straight game with a hamstring issue. He has played just one half since injuring his hamstring against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.

Expect Levi Wallace and Cam Sutton to start at outside cornerback, with James Pierre and Josh Jackson providing depth. Art Maulet will likely dominate the reps in the slot against Bengals receiver 

Left guard Kevin Dotson (hip) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (knee) were both full participants on Friday after being limited on Thursday and appear ready to play. Both finished the game last Sunday while dealing with their injuries.

Inside linebacker Marcus Allen (illness), inside linebacker Devin Bush (knee) and tackle Trent Scott (back) were full participants both Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday’s session. 

Running back Najee Harris (knee) was a full participant all three days.

The Steelers have three players remaining on the short-term injured reserve list. Defensive end DeMarvin Leal (right meniscus surgery) has started to practice and is eligible to be activated at any time.

Kicker Chris Boswell (right groin) and cornerback William Jackson III (back) must miss at least three more games before they can be activated.