Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick Ruled Out Through Injury

Minkah Fitzpatrick on Draft Day in 2018
Minkah Fitzpatrick on Draft Day in 2018. Photo by Albert Pena/Csm/Shutterstock (9643632y)

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be sidelined for several weeks after undergoing an appendectomy on Saturday following the team’s walk-through practice.

According to reports, Fitzpatrick was feeling unwell at practice, which resulted in tests being performed that indicated that he was in need of the appendectomy procedure. The Steelers later announced that he would be unavailable for the game against the New Orleans Saints due to appendicitis.

In addition to missing the Saints’ game, Fitzpatrick is not expected to be available against the Bengals. There is also little likelihood of the safety managing to participate in the Steelers’ clash with the Indianapolis Colts on November 28.

The Steelers activated safety Damontae Kazee from injured reserve, whom they will hope will be able to step in during Fitzpatrick’s absence. Elijah Riley was also activated from the practice squad as an additional backup option.

Fitzpatrick has not been the only NFL player to recently undergo an appendectomy. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also underwent the procedure before training camp and was consequently sidelines for two and a half weeks.