Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick likely out multiple games after appendectomy; T.J. Watt activated
On a day when the Pittsburgh Steelers activated outside linebacker T.J. Watt from injured reserve, they announced free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick won’t play Sunday because of appendicitis.
Fitzpatrick had an appendectomy Saturday after experiencing discomfort in his right side during the team’s walk-through in the morning, a source told the Tribune-Review. Fitzpatrick wasn’t listed on the injury report prior to Saturday, and he could miss multiple games considering the recovery time from an appendecomy.
A two-time All-Pro selection, Fitzpatrick has three of the Steelers’ eight interceptions this season. He missed a game earlier this season with a knee injury.
Watt will play for the first time since the season opener. Without the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the Steelers have totaled eight sacks in seven games.
To make room for Watt on the 53-man roster, the Steelers placed newly acquired cornerback William Jackson III on injured reserve with a back injury. Jackson practiced just once with the Steelers after being acquired from the Washington Commanders.
Safety Elijah Riley has been promoted from the practice squad to provide depth in the secondary against the Saints. Damontae Kazee, who will make his Steelers debut, likely will replace Fitzpatrick at free safety.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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