Mike Tomlin says Minkah Fitzpatrick, Montravius Adams expected to return to practice

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4) head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive lineman Montravius Adams are expected to return to practice Wednesday.

“We’ll leave the light on for Minkah and Mont Adams this week,” Tomlin said, via Steelers Now. “Both guys will be participants on some level tomorrow and then we’ll let the amount of that participation and the quality of that participation be our guide as we lean in toward the latter part of the week. But cautiously optimistic about both.”

Fitzpatrick, the three-time All-Pro, has been sidelined for the past four games with a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old is tied for second on the Steelers with 54 tackles (37 solo). Adams has missed the last three games with an ankle injury. He has amassed 21 tackles (10 solo), two tackles for loss and a forced fumble this season.

With Fitzpatrick out and fellow safety Keanu Neal on the reserve/injured reserve list, Trenton Thompson received an elevation from the practice squad for this past Sunday’s Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals (5-6). Thompson recorded five tackles and an interception in the 16-10 victory.

“He has been balling,” linebacker T.J. Watt said after the game. “No one is surprised by his success. He had a phenomenal preseason. A guy that’s come in and hasn’t done a whole lot of talking. He’s trying to learn as much as possible and he’s performing. Credit to him.”

Steelers could see big lift with return of Minkah Fitzpatrick

While Thompson has been solid in place of Fitzpatrick, there’s no denying the Steelers are better with Fitzpatrick in their secondary. In fact, the Steelers have played just two defensive series this season with Fitzpatrick, Watt, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward and edge rusher Alex Highsmith on the field at the same time. While the Steelers are fifth in scoring defense and fourth in takeaways, they are 25th in yards allowed (354.4).

Perhaps the Week 13 home tilt against the Arizona Cardinals (2-10) this Sunday will be the day Fitzpatrick returns.

“We like where we are from a health standpoint,” Tomlin said.