Mike Tomlin says Minkah Fitzpatrick is ‘improving’ from hamstring injury

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is nearing a return to practice, coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday. However, it’s unclear when he’ll get into a game.

Fitzpatrick strained his hamstring early in a loss to the Jaguars on Oct. 29. He hasn’t practiced since the injury. However, Tomlin said Fitzpatrick, possibly, is on track to return to workouts this week.

“We’ll see what the week holds for him,” Tomlin told reporters at his Tuesday press conference. “And see if there’s a potential for availability at the latter part of the week.”

Video shows that Fitzpatrick strained his hamstring as he covered a Jaguars receiver. He pulled up limping. There was no contact.

Minkah Fitzpatrick goes down with a non contact injury pic.twitter.com/tpDplSBbj6

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) October 29, 2023

In addition, the Steelers also could see the return of starting nose tackle Montravius Adams, who sprained his ankle against the Titans. That game — a 20-16 win — unfolded on Nov. 2. So Adams and the rest of the Steelers had the weekend off. It’s like a mini-bye.

Pittsburgh next plays this Sunday against the Packers. Green Bay broke a five-game losing streak last Sunday with a 20-3 win over the Rams. They were able to take advantage of LA. which was playing without injured quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Tomlin confirmed other team news besides Minkah Fitzpatrick. He said offensive coordinator Matt Canada will continue to call plays from the sidelines. He moved from the coaches box to the sidelines against the Titans. And as a result, the Steelers scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the first time this season.

However, the Pittsburgh offense still is trying to find themselves this season. Each opposing offense has outgained them this season through the first eight games. The Steelers became the 34th team in NFL history to start the year in such a woeful offensive fashion. However, they’re the only team of the 34 to get through the first eight games with a winning record.

Meanwhile, the defense is holding up well. Getting Minkah Fitzpatrick back, whether it’s this Sunday against the Packers, or in another week against the Browns, will only help. The Steelers rank 12th in total defense heading into the second half of the season. Pittsburgh has eight interceptions and has allowed nine touchdown passes.

Fitzpatrick, the free safety, has made a team-leading 47 tackles through six full games and a quarter.