Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick Addresses Nick Chubb Injury
PITTSBURGH -- There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb's injury that occurred at Acrisure Stadium in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The hit, which Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick made at the goal line, was so gruesome that television broadcasts would not replay it. Chubb was checked on the field before being carted off, and the belief is that there are multiple ligaments damaged in his knee.
On the play, Fitzpatrick went low, and simultaneously, Cole Holcomb hit Chubb from above, bending Chubb's knee in an awkward direction. Almost instantly, there was debate about whether or not the hit by Fitzpatrick was legal, and whether or not it should be considered dirty.
Fitzpatrick addressed the hit, defending the play and how difficult it is in the moment to avoid a collision that can lead to injury.
"Very unfortunate. ... It’s a tough injury. Unfortunately, it’s part of the game that we play," Fitzpatrick said. "You know, people are going to say I had ill will behind the tackle. That’s not the case whatsoever. I’m a guy that’s a competitor that’s gonna go out there and play the game. I’m chippy, I’m edgy, of course, but I’m not a dirty player. I’m not gonna sit here and defend my character. I know the type of player I am, Chubb knows the type of player I am. I’ve played against him the past five years, two times a year and I love competing against him. He brings the best outta me, and I bring the best outta him. No chance that I there would try and purposely injure somebody."
Fitzpatrick said he went over to Chubb after the play to ensure he knew he didn't mean to cause the injury.
"It was an unfortunate event," Fitzpatrick said. "We play a physical game and people get hurt and people could sit by a screen and tell me how I should’ve done it or what they would’ve done, and they never played the game. It’s a fast game and things happen and, like I said, it’s an unfortunate event and I’m praying for Chubb."
Fitzpatrick was also injured on the play and remained down for a moment after the hit. He eventually left the game with a chest issue and was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons.
As for not going low and trying to force less risk on the runner, Fitzpatrick said that he'd be putting himself at a much higher risk.
"If I tackle a guy like Nick Chubb high as he's running full speed downhill, and I'm stationary, I'm going to get ran over and I'm going to get concussed," Fitzpatrick said. "I know it's an offensive game and people want to see points, but defensive players are people too. We've got to protect ourselves. When you're tackling big guys, it's easier and you take less of a brunt to your body and your head when you go low."
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