Pittsburgh Steelers defensive again Minkah Fitzpatrick informed reporters that he plans to play Sunday in his crew’s sport towards the Arizona Cardinals.
Fitzpatrick hasn’t performed since Pittsburgh’s Week 8 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on account of a hamstring damage. Nonetheless, the three-time first-team All-Professional was a full participant in observe this week, indicating he’s possible set to make his return to the lineup.
Previous to the damage, he logged 54 complete tackles and two passes defended in seven video games.
The Steelers at present sit second within the AFC North and are one in all three groups from that division that will make the playoffs if the common season ended right this moment.
GO DEEPER
AFC North Whiparound: November recap, Joe Flacco is again and what number of wins will it take?
Steelers get a lift
For the Steelers, the direct good thing about Fitzpatrick’s return is clear. He’s an All-Professional security. When wholesome, he’s extensively thought of one of many league’s greatest gamers at his place. His instincts and ball-hawking capacity will present a spark to a secondary that has struggled to defend the large play. Coming into this week, the Steelers have allowed the third-most completion of 20-plus yards.
Past that, Fitzpatrick’s return is very important due to the type of protection the Steelers want to run. In lots of situations, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin likes to have three safeties on the sphere on the identical time. Pittsburgh has been with out two of these three items, as fellow security Keanu Neal is at present on injured reserve with a rib damage. Whereas the Steelers gained’t have the whole beginning tandem in motion this week, they’re trending in the fitting path. — Mike DeFabo, Steelers beat author
What to anticipate from Fitzpatrick
When Fitzpatrick returns, it is going to be fascinating to see how the Steelers deploy him for the rest of the season. Thus far, he has but to intercept a move. Nonetheless, a major cause for that’s the Steelers have usually been utilizing him nearer to the road of scrimmage and in protection towards prime tight ends as an alternative of as a deep security, the place he thrived previously. — DeFabo
Required studying
(Photograph: Jeffrey Becker / USA Immediately)
