PITTSBURGH — The Steelers will get a superstar guard for Sunday’s game against New Orleans, but they won’t have another.
The team announced the activation of TJ Watt from injured reserve, but also ruled safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (appendicitis) out of Sunday’s game against the Saints.
Usually, appendicitis, swelling and inflammation of the appendix, is treated with surgery. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow underwent surgery in late July after he ruptured his appendix, a small pouch attached to his colon.
The exact circumstances of Fitzpatrick’s appendicitis are unknown, but he will miss at least Sunday’s game.
Fitzpatrick has three picks this season, including a touchdown. Earlier this week, the Steelers brought in safety Damontae Kazee from IR to give them more depth at the position. Fitzpatrick also missed the Steelers’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Trey Norwood mostly coming off the bench. The Steelers also activated S Elijah Riley from the practice squad.
Fitzpatrick wasn’t the only middle school member to be left out. The Steelers previously ruled out cornerbacks Ahkello Witherspoon and William Jackson III. Jackson, whom the Steelers acquired from Washington at the trade deadline, was placed on IR due to a lingering back injury, the team announced Saturday.