The Pittsburgh Steelers were off to their typical sloppy start -- this time against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8. Early in the game, the offense once again put the defense in a tough position with two straight three-and-outs.
While the defense was looking to step up to the plate, Steelers fans held their breath when Minkah Fitzpatrick went down clinching his leg. Upon replay, this was a non-contact injury that immediately dropped him to the turf.
Though we didn't want to speculate, this certainly looked like a hamstring pull. After falling to the ground, the three-time First-Team All-Pro safety immediately grabbed the back of his left leg in the area of the hamstring. This was later confirmed by the Steelers' spokesperson, Burt Lauten.
#Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick sustained a hamstring injury and his return to today's game is doubtful.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) October 29, 2023
Pittsburgh's secondary has struggled mightily at times this year, and losing the best player in the back end of the defense isn't going to help. Because of how much pain he was in, it doesn't look optimistic that Minkah will re-enter the game today against Jacksonville.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars are also without the two best players in their secondary as CB Tryson Campbell and S Andre Cisco are both out with injuries today.
The weather in Pittsburgh could play a factor when it comes to footing, and we hope we don't see others go down with injuries today. Losing Mikah Fitzpatrick could prove to be a massive loss for a team that already has a few gaping holes on both sides of the football. Let's hope this injury proves to be minor and he can get back on the field in the near future.
In the meantime, the Pittsburgh Steelers will look to take care of business against the 5-2 Jaguars without the aid of one of the best and most consistent players on their roster. Fitzpatrick hasn't earned an interception yet this year entering Week 8, but he has been a force supporting the run. His return will be much anticipated.