The Pittsburgh Steelers are going into their final game of the 2023 regular season with everything on the line. In such a high-pressure situation, any good news is a welcomed thing indeed, which is why the Steelers were overjoyed to see both Elandon Roberts and Minkah Fitzpatrick practicing on Wednesday. If the Steelers hope to get through the first obstacle between them and the playoffs - the Baltimore Ravens - they will need both of their key defenders healthy.
Steelers Relieved As Both Roberts And Fitzpatrick Practice
While the 2023 Steelers have a very surprising two-game winning streak going on, it hasn't been without its challenges, especially on the injury front. Linebacker has been a revolving door for the Steelers in 2023, with one of the few consistencies being Roberts battling a myriad of injuries to be on the field whenever he can. Considered to be the quarterback of the defense when healthy, even the possibility of having Roberts available on Saturday is a huge plus for the Steelers.
Fitzpatrick, one of Pittsburgh's defensive stars who can easily change a game with a single play, has also struggled to stay healthy in 2023. After dealing with a hamstring injury, breaking his hand, and being out since Week 15 thanks to a knee injury, it seems like things may be turning a corner. 93.7 The Fan saw Roberts and Fitzpatrick back on the practice field and looking as limber as one could hope for.
The Ravens are waiting for the Steelers in the final game of the 2023 season, and no matter where these two teams are in the standings, the games are always a beatdown. Pittsburgh is hoping that both Roberts and Fitzpatrick will be ready to go on Saturday because the first step to turning hope into reality for the playoffs is to win in Baltimore.
Steelers Preparing For A Classic Rivalry Game
The 2023 Ravens are no joke, and the Steelers won't be taking them lightly as they may have done during the dreadful three-game skid that put them in this position. Already securing the AFC's top playoff seed with a brutal blowout win over the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore won't be playing all their starters, but don't expect any less effort.
The sight of Roberts and Fitzpatrick on the field will be a boost not only to the fans in Pittsburgh, but to the other players in the locker room. The next man up mentality has been a constant mantra for Pittsburgh in 2023, but to have their defensive players where they should be and healthy is a rarity indeed. If they want the chance at a playoff game, then it is going to take the full commitment of every single player who will be taking the field.
When the Steelers were 7-4 going into what seemed like a winnable stretch, no one would have believed that the force behind their crawl back to 9-7 would be the arm of Mason Rudolph. It hasn't been the sort of 2023 season that anyone expected, and yet again, a team led by Mike Tomlin will not have a losing season. Add that to their realistic chance at being one of the lower AFC playoff seeds, and that is quite an impressive accomplishment.
Of course, before any of the accolades and celebration can occur, the Steelers must go into the home of the AFC's top playoff team and emerge victorious. If that happens, then it gives the 2023 Steelers the chance to claim the season as a success. It all comes down to Baltimore, and that seems perfectly fitting for any Steelers' season.
How excited are you to see both Roberts and Fitzpatrick back on the playing field?
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