After missing practice on Tuesday, All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick’s chances of playing in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ regular-season finale appear much less.
Due to a knee injury, Fitzpatrick has missed the last two games; however, head coach Mike Tomlin has given the possibility that he could play in Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. However, Fitzpatrick did not participate in the walkthrough-style practice on Tuesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, as per the injury report required by the league.
Elandon Roberts, the starting inside linebacker, was the only other player on the active roster to skip practice on Tuesday. He is anticipated to miss two games in a row due to a pectoral ailment.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett was considered a complete practice participant on Tuesday for the first time since he had “tightrope surgery” on an ankle he had injured during a game on December 3. On Saturday, Pickett is expected to support Mason Rudolph.
Running back Najee Harris (knee), defensive lineman Cam Heyward (groin), left guard Isaac Seumalo (shoulder), and safety Trenton Thompson (neck) were the other four starting-caliber players classified as limited practice participants. All players, with the exception of Thompson, have been managing their ailments for a few weeks, but they haven’t missed any games.
Thompson has missed the previous two games and stated last week that he anticipated missing the Baltimore game as well. But as of yet, Tomlin hasn’t written him off.
The Steelers have started recent practice squad addition Eric Rowe at safety and converted cornerback Patrick Peterson in the past two games due to the absences of Fitzpatrick, Thompson, Keanu Neal (on injured reserve), and Damontae Kazee (suspension).
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