Minkah Fitzpatrick, Elandon Roberts return to Steelers practice ahead of Week 18

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Elandon Roberts, who each missed the 30-23 Week 17 win over the Seattle Seahawks (8-8), returned to practice Wednesday.

Minkah Fitzpatrick back at #Steelers practice w Elandon Roberts pic.twitter.com/LmWVgJYstB

— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) January 3, 2024

Fitzpatrick has missed the last two games with an ankle injury and six total this season with various injuries. The Steelers listed him as a limited participant Wednesday — his first action on the practice field since sustaining the injury. Fitzpatrick has recorded 64 tackles (43 solo) in 10 games this season.

With Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson out, Damontae Kazee suspended and Keanu Neal on the reserve/injured list, veteran defensive back Patrick Peterson got the start at safety against Seattle. Eric Rowe, elevated from the practice squad to the active/inactive Roster for the last two games, recorded a team-leading nine tackles versus the Seahawks.

“He’s a veteran guy… Been in some systems. He’s been around,” head coach Mike Tomlin said of Rowe. “He’s been on multiple teams and multiple schematic circumstances and he’s a sharp guy. Usually under those circumstances, it’s not learning what to do, it’s just learning what to call it, or the translation of what he already knows. And so, I’d imagine his learning process is probably quicker than most.”

Roberts, meanwhile, missed the Seattle contest due to a pectoral injury. Roberts’ role had increased following the season-ending injuries to Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb. He leads the Steelers with 100 tackles (67 solo), to go along with 10 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Myles Jack, signed off the street in November, stepped in for Roberts and tallied seven tackles.

Both Fitzpatrick and Roberts’ status for Sunday’s season finale against the Baltimore Ravens (13-3) is still to be determined.

Steelers Wednesday injury report

QB Kenny Pickett (Ankle) – Full
S Trenton Thompson (Neck) – Limited
RB Najee Harris (Knee) – DNP
S Minkah Fitzpatrick (Knee) – Limited
LB Elandon Roberts (Pectoral) – Limited
OG Isaac Seumalo (Shoulder) – Full
LB T.J. Watt (NIR – Resting) – Limited
DT Cameron Heyward (Groin) – Limited
DE Larry Ogunjobi (NIR – Resting) – Limited