Steelers likely to have All-Pro defender back in Week 13
The Steelers are set to get some massive reinforcements back this week as a key piece on their defense is eyeing a return.
Three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has missed the past four games after suffering a groin injury in Week 8, is on track to play in Pittsburgh's Week 13 matchup against the Cardinals (2-10).
Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that the " light is on" for Fitzpatrick this week and then he was seen at practice on Wednesday.
The return of Fitzpatrick would be a huge one for the Steelers defense, which is quietly allowing the fifth-least points per game (16.5) in the league.
The three-time Pro Bowler will only make the defense more stout as he has been a turnover machine, totaling 20 takeaways (17 interceptions, three forced fumbles) since he joined Pittsburgh in 2019.
If Fitzpatrick does make his return to the starting lineup, it will be the first time fans will be able to watch him, DT Cameron Heyward and linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith all playing together since Week 1. The big four have played just two series together all season, according to Steelers Now's Nick Farabaugh.
The injury update may be news to some, but Fitzpatrick's teammate, safety Damontae Kazee, tried to tell everyone following Pittsburgh's Week 12 win.
"Shoot, we know Minkah comes back this week," Kazee said. "A lot of us ain't gonna be playing in those spots."
In Fitzpatrick's absence, the Steelers had to shuffle around several players in their secondary to make up for his loss.
So his return not only makes things a little bit easier for everyone else but sets Pittsburgh up for a dominant day as Arizona is averaging the eighth-least points per game (17.2).
More must-reads: