Steelers Optimistic About Minkah Fitzpatrick Return

Pittsburgh Steelers superstar Minkah Fitzpatrick is trending toward a return in time for the playoff opener.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers lost one superstar defender last week but they expect to get another back this week as they look forward to a Wild Card Weekend matchup with the Buffalo Bills. 

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who's been sidelined for multiple weeks with a knee injury, will be monitored closely this week as he works his way back from a knee injury, but the team is optimistic that he will be able to play against the Bills. 

"Minkah will be limited at the early portion of the week. We'll let the amount of participation and the quality of his participation be our guide, but we're optimistic about his inclusion."

Fitzpatrick suffered his injury against the Colts during Week 15 and hasn't played since. He did practice last week in a limited capacity and was deemed questionable heading into gameday before ultimately being ruled out. 

It's been a down year for Fitzpatrick, a perennial All-Pro and Pro Bowl candidate, as he dealt with multiple injuries to his hand, hamstring and knee. He's missed seven games and amassed 64 tackles, one tackle for loss and three passes defended in the 10 games he has played in. 

The Steelers' safety group has been decimated by injury and suspension but is slowly getting whole. But with Fitzpatrick expected to make his return soon and Damontae Kazee back from a three-game suspension, they can feel much more confident facing an explosive Bills passing game this weekend. 

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