Minkah Fitzpatrick ruled out for Steelers Thursday night game vs. Titans

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is out for Thursday Night Football against the Tennessee Titans, according to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. The star defender exited Sunday’s game due to a hamstring injury. It’s a major loss for the team as Fitzpatrick leads the team with 54 tackles so far this season.

The skipper revealed that though Fitzpatrick is out, quarterback Kenny Pickett will be a game-time decision after he suffered a rib injury on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tomlin said the team is leaving the “door ajar” for Pickett, though backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky is ready to step up after finishing the game in his place in Week 8.

The Steelers have a very quick turnaround for Thursday Night Football. Pittsburgh is hosting the Titans, who took a win over the Atlanta Falcons behind rookie quarterback Will Levis.

Titans expected to start rookie Will Levis on Thursday

The Tennessee Titans are expected to start rookie quarterback Will Levis for the second straight week due to starter Ryan Tannehill’s ongoing ankle injury, according to NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler. Levis made his first start on Sunday against the Falcons, leading the team to a 28-23 victory.

According to Fowler, Levis will get his second start for Tannehill against the Pittsburgh Steelers, “barring surprise.”

Levis looked every bit like the projected first-round pick he was expected to be before slipping just far enough in April’s NFL Draft to put a chip on his shoulder.

The former Kentucky Wildcat finished his first professional game with 238 passing yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in a 28-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Although his connection with veteran DeAndre Hopkins was on full display, six different Tennessee receivers caught passes on Sunday. He also became just the third player to record four touchdowns in their NFL debut.

“It’s incredible,” Levis told CBS sideline reporter Amanda Guerra afterward. “Shoutout to the fans for coming out and supporting. Just shoutout to this team for embracing me and getting me through these past couple of weeks. I’m just excited to be a part of this team and do whatever I can to help them win.”