Steelers ‘Optimistic’ about Star Safety’s Return from Injury

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without star outside linebacker T.J. Watt for their Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, but they are optimistic that All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be able to make a return.

Fitzpatrick suffered a left knee injury during the second quarter of the Steelers’ Week 15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He returned to practice for the first time last week, and was listed as questionable to play against the Baltimore Ravens, but was ruled inactive just before the game.

Fitzpatrick said after the game that he plans to play against the Bills this week, and Tomlin feels confident that will be the case.

“Minkah will be limited at the early portions of the week,” Tomlin said. “We’ll let the amount of his participation and the quality of his participation be our guide, but we’re optimistic about his inclusion.”

Tomlin ruled Watt out with his knee injury that he suffered in the third quarter against the Ravens on Saturday. Watt is expected to miss multiple weeks with a Grade 2 MCL sprain.

Tomlin did not provide updates on safeties Keanu Neal (rib) and Trenton Thompson (neck). Neal has been eligible to return from the injured reserve list since Week 15, but has not yet returned to practice, even though Tomlin would not say that his injury was season-ending. 

Thompson said he hoped to return this week from a neck injury suffered against the Colts on Dec. 16.

Tomlin said that inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (pec) may be limited early in the week, but he should once again be expected to play. Roberts returned last week after missing just one game with his pec injury, but wore a large brace against the Ravens and played less than his usual number of reps.

Safety Damontae Kazee is returning to the team after a three-week suspension, and Tomlin said that his conditioning will be evaluated before he’s slotted into a role for this week.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT