Minkah Fitzpatrick was activated off the COVID/reserve list on Thursday. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers activate Minkah Fitzpatrick from COVID list

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/25/21

The depleted Pittsburgh Steelers got some good news on Thanksgiving Day as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was activated off the COVID/reserve list on Thursday, ESPN reported.

Fitzpatrick tested positive on November 15 and spent the mandated 10 days in quarantine, per league rules.

"He looks like he's 100 percent out there to me," defensive coordinator Keith Butler said. "He'll practice today and see how he feels, stuff like that."

Getting Fitzpatrick back in the mix would be a nice boost for Pittsburgh after a beat-up lineup fell 41-37 to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11.

In addition to Fitzpatrick, the Steelers also hope to get star pass-rusher T.J. Watt back on the field on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Watt injured his hip and knee in a fourth-quarter sack against the Detroit Lions in Week 10 and only returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited capacity.

Great to see 90 back out on the practice field for the #Steelers. @_TJWatt was limited but did take part in drills. A very positive sign. @KDKA #Sports #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/a8VjjHBoVJ
— Ian Smith (@ismithKDKA) November 24, 2021

Watt wasn't on the field when the Steelers and Bengals last faced each other, and Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow knows the impact the 27-year-old linebacker can have if he's healthy enough to play.

Joe Burrow on the Steelers: “They didn’t have TJ Watt (last time). It’s going to be a different game.” pic.twitter.com/62tt0LswEr
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) November 24, 2021

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is also hopeful cornerback Joe Haden will be ready to play on Sunday after missing one game with a mid-foot sprain he suffered in the game against the Lions.

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