Steelers Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick Vows Return for Playoffs

BALTIMORE — Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said he will play if his team makes it to the playoffs next week, after beating the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

Fitzpatrick missed his third straight game against the Ravens. Fitzpatrick had been listed as questionable to play after returning to practice this week, but was ruled out and made inactive just before the start of warmups on Saturday.

He told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after the game that he will play if the Steelers make it to the playoffs. They need help in Week 18 to get into the postseason.

The three-time All-Pro has had a miserable season, playing in just 10 games while missing time with a hamstring injury, playing through a broken hand, and now the left knee injury that has had him out since the second quarter of the Steelers’ Week 15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Eric Rowe was been elevated from the practice squad and made his third consecutive start in place of Fitzpatrick, with Patrick Peterson moving from cornerback to safety to fill the other slot.

Damontae Kazee served the final game of his three-game suspension, and could also return for the playoffs.  Trenton Thompson (neck) and Keanu Neal (rib) remain out with injuries. Elijah Riley and Miles Killebrew served as depth at the position on Saturday.

Fitzpatrick earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod despite the injury plagued season. In 10 games, he has recorded 64 tackles, one tackle for a loss and defended three passes this season.

REALTED: Minkah Fitzpatrick, T.J. Watt, Miles Killebrew Named to AFC Pro Bowl Roster