11:28 AM
Ahead of Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, at least one significant piece is returning to the defense.
Minkah Fitzpatrick was activated from the reserve list Thursday morning.
"He looks like he's 100% out there to me," said the defensive coach. He'll practice today and see how he feels.
Fitzpatrick was added to the active roster after a mandated 10-day stay in COVID-19 protocols.
Without Fitzpatrick, the defense struggled to keep the high-powered Los Angeles Clippers' offense in check. In Fitzpatrick's absence, the rookies played every snap.
Fitzpatrick is one of the defensive players that the Steelers hope to have back. Watt, who injured his hip and knee in the fourth quarter against Detroit, returned to practice as a limited participant. Watt and Alex Highsmith both missed the first meeting against the Cincinnati with groin injuries.
Haden didn't practice Wednesday, but coach Mike Tomlin said he would return to practice this week.
"I'm very happy that Fitzpatrick is back," he said. The possibility of getting the other guys back is always helpful. We were down a couple people when we played them.
It means a lot to us that those guys are able to play again. They are used to playing with each other. It will be better for us.
