Minkah Fitzpatrick could return from appendectomy when Steelers face Bengals
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Minkah Fitzpatrick apparently isn’t going to let a little bout with appendicitis keep him from missing more than one game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Tuesday, three days after the two-time All-Pro free safety had an appendectomy, coach Mike Tomlin said Fitzpatrick could return Sunday when the Steelers play the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium.
Fitzpatrick complained of discomfort in his right side after the team’s walk-through practice Saturday morning, and he had the appendectomy later in the day. Fitzpatrick sat out the Steelers’ 20-10 victory against New Orleans, although he watched from the sideline.
“Reports regarding Minkah and his inclusion this week are really positive,” Tomlin said at his weekly news conference. “I know he’s already been in here and run today.”
Tomlin said Fitzpatrick lobbied to play against New Orleans, but those pleas fell on deaf ears.
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“Obviously, that wasn’t the appropriate thing to do,” he said. “That’s just the mentality that he brings. Oftentimes, when you’re talking about injury and being unavailable and then coming back, your attitude has a lot to do with it. That says a lot about him.”
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow missed several weeks of training camp after having an appendectomy. Burrow’s appendix ruptured, however, which led to the long layoff.
Fitzpatrick’s appendicitis apparently was caught early, which could allow him to return after missing just one game.
“I’m just going to follow the advice of the medical experts and communicate with Minkah,” Tomlin said, “but I don’t have a lot of exposure to (appendix issues).”
When the Steelers faced the Bengals in the season opener, Fitzpatrick had an interception return for a touchdown, and he blocked the extra point at the end of regulation that sent the game to overtime. The Steelers won on a Chris Boswell field goal as time expired in OT.
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After rushing for a season-high 99 yards on 20 carries, running back Najee Harris has minor knee discomfort.
“I don’t expect it to be an issue relative to game participation,” Tomlin said. “It might minimize him some at the early portion of the week.”
Left guard Kevin Dotson, who surfaced on the injury report Friday with an abdominal injury, is dealing with a sore hip. Tomlin said Dotson could miss practice time early in the run-up to the Bengals game.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon continues to be monitored for a hamstring injury that has caused him to miss five of the past six games.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett mentioned having ankle discomfort after the game, but Tomlin didn’t list him among the injured players and said Pickett’s ankle is fine.
The Steelers take a 3-6 record into the matchup with the Bengals, who are 5-4 and coming off their bye week.
Here’s a look at what else Tomlin had to say.