Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring) says he will play Sunday

Field Level Media|published: Fri 1st December, 16:37 2023

Nov 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) walks the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said Friday that he will play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Fitzpatrick has not played since injuring a hamstring on Oct. 29 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he was a full practice participant on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He said he feels "great" after allowing the hamstring to heal.

"It's one of those things you have to take your time with, be patient," Fitzpatrick said.

He has 54 tackles in seven games (all starts) this season.

"One, he brings a lot of communication," Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said. "Two, he is a heck of a player. Covers a lot of space.

"I know we have had a lot of guys in there, moving things around, but you get a guy like that back, it's definitely a big plus for our team."

Heyward did not practice Wednesday or Thursday while resting and due to a groin injury. He was back at full practice Friday.

Fitzpatrick is confident in the Steelers' defense improving with players getting healthier. The Steelers (7-4) went 3-1 in his absence.

"I think our arrow is up, but we haven't peaked yet," he said. "Our arrow is trending in the right direction, but there are a lot of things we have to be better at."

Fitzpatrick, 27, was a Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro in 2019, 2020 and 2022. He was the 11th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, who traded him to Pittsburgh in September 2019.

For his career, he has 502 tackles, 19 interceptions (four returned for touchdowns), 49 passes defended, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

—Field Level Media

Latest