After an extremely successful interim high in Week 12, the Pittsburgh Steelers were brought crashing back down to earth on Sunday by the Arizona Cardinals. The NFL playoffs are in serious danger, and we also have to deal with injuries again.
Above all, the duel against the Cards affected quarterback Kenny Pickett, who will probably have to miss “several weeks” with an ankle injury. This is reported by Adam Schefter from “ESPN”, among others.
Pickett was injured in the 10:24 defeat on Sunday in the middle of the first quarter and did not return. At this point, the Steelers playmaker had 70 passing yards.
After his injury, he was replaced by Mitch Trubisky, who will also be the regular replacement in the event of Pickett’s absence. “We will go with Mitch if Kenny Pickett can’t play,” said head coach Mike Tomlin, who was already looking ahead to the tasks ahead.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face the New England Patriots on Thursday.
NFL: Minkah Fitzpatrick breaks his hand – but continues to play
Pittsburgh is also hoping for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was also injured against the Cardinals. The defensive back broke his hand early in the game but continued to play.
Thanks to the two rain breaks, Fitzpatrick was able to receive proper care and didn’t miss a single snap despite breaking his hand. It is expected that Fitzpatrick will be able to play on Thursday even with a broken hand.
“I’m OK,” said the pass defender after the game. We probably need to bandage and protect it well, like today. And then we’ll carry on,” Fitzpatrick is sure he’ll be fit to play against the Patriots.
However, he is still impaired: “I can’t use it. I can play, though, and I haven’t missed a play,” said Fitzpatrick.