Steelers Star Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick Out with Injury

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick left his team’s game against the Cleveland Browns on Monday early in the second half and is questionable to return.

Fitzpatrick made a touchdown-saving tackle after Cleveland running back Jerome Ford broke contain and raced for a 69-yard gain down the left sideline. Fitzpatrick gave chase and made the tackle, stopping Ford at the 1-yard line.

What a NICE run for Jerome Ford 💨#CLEvsPIT | Via @NFL

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He came out of the game and sought attention from the Steelers trainers, missing the subsequent goal-line stand and two-point conversion attempt as Cleveland took the lead.

Television cameras caught Fitzpatrick vomiting on the Steelers sideline.

After the drive, he then went down the tunnel to the Steelers locker room and did not immediately return. The Steelers announced that he is being evaluated for a chest injury and questionable to return.

Fitzpatrick had been shaken up earlier in the game, during his violent collision with Browns running back Nick Chubb that saw Chubb leave the game with a knee injury.

His tackle of Ford was his team-high sixth of the game. Fitzpatrick also broke up two passes before exiting.

With Minkah Fitzpatrick injured, Damontae Kazee took over at free safety, alongside Keanu Neal. The Steelers will likely not be able to play the three-safety formations that they practiced this week with Fitzpatrick injured.