DB Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Steelers is out against the Colts due to a knee injury.
Late in the season, the Steelers need to defeat the Colts in a big way to maintain their hopes of making the playoffs. Pittsburgh can’t afford a loss at 7-6 on the season because their prospects of making the playoffs are already remote.
It becomes more difficult to defeat the Colts without Fitzpatrick, who leads the team in tackles. Fitzpatrick, an Alabama native in his seventh season of play, is enjoying another successful campaign in his fifth with the Steelers. He has recorded 64 total tackles and has been Pittsburgh’s bright spot during a difficult season.
Fitzpatrick has sustained his third injury of the year. He has played in nine games this year despite suffering from a broken hand and hamstring injury earlier in the season.
Fitzpatrick’s departure is just one more setback for the Steelers’ defense. Damontae Kazee, a safety for the Steelers, was shown the red card for unwarranted roughness after he hit Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. before getting hurt. With the loss of the two safeties, Pittsburgh’s only options at safety are Trenton Thompson and Miles Killebrew.
The Steelers play the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday after their game against the Colts, which is a must-win for them to have any chance of making the playoffs. Although Fitzpatrick won’t be making a comeback on Saturday, the Steelers want to see their best safety back on the field as soon as possible.