Minkah Fitzpatrick hospitalized after injury in Steelers, Browns game
Monday Night Football in Pittsburgh was unfortunately full of injuries. None were more severe than Cleveland running back Nick Chubb being ruled out for the season with a gruesome knee injury. But from the Steelers’ side, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was the big name, leaving with a chest injury.
During his postgame press conference, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin revealed Fitzpatrick is at a local hospital following the game. His chest injury is still being evaluated. No specific timeline or further information was known by Tomlin at the time.
“#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin Tomlin tells reporters that DB Minkah Fitzpatrick is being evaluated at a local hospital for a chest injury,” Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network said via Twitter.
Fitzpatrick suffered the injury in the third quarter, attempting to chase down Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford. He made a last-second diving attempt but fell a bit short. Hitting the grass tough, Fitzpatrick never made his way back onto the field.
Pittsburgh is going to be on a short week, facing off against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. They will be heading out West, having a long trip away. It’s another primetime matchup as well, with NBC broadcasting the game on Sunday Night Football.
The Fitzpatrick injury will be one to watch throughout the entire week. Just six days separate from when the defensive back suffered the injury to when Pittsburgh takes the field next. If he is out long-term, it would be a huge loss.
Minkah Fitzpatrick part of impressive early season Pittsburgh defense
There are offensive problems in Pittsburgh. Fans were chanting for offensive coordinator Matt Canada to be fired during the game. Kenny Pickett struggled and the run game really never got going. A tough night overall despite getting a win.
But the impressive defense is why Steelers fans are heading home happy on Monday night. Two touchdowns came from a pick-six and a scoop-and-score. TJ Watt was incredible all night, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading sacks. If Pittsburgh is going to continue to win moving forward, the defense will be the main reason.
If Fitzpatrick remains healthy, he is going to be a major part of the equation. The defensive back has been a staple in the secondary for years since being traded from Miami. Pittsburgh will be hoping everything from the hospital comes back negative and Fitzpatrick has the chance of playing next week against Las Vegas.