The Steelers have suspended safety returns for the playoffs.
PITTSBURGH — In the wildcard round of the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have assistance in the secondary. Damontae Kazee is expected to return to the squad as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs after serving his regular season suspension. Kazee was suspended after being ejected from the team’s Week 15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts for an unnecessary roughness hit on wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. He was initially punished for the remainder of the regular season and the postseason, but after appealing the judgment, the suspension was lowered to only the regular season.
This season, the veteran safety started nine of his 14 games, totaling 61 tackles, two interceptions, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries.
After missing the previous three games, Kazee will have three days of practice to get used to the defense. The Steelers could see both of their starting quarterbacks return this week, with Minkah Fitzpatrick promising to return from a knee injury in the playoffs as well. In Kazee and Fitzpatrick’s absences, Pittsburgh has used Patrick Peterson and practice squad member Eric Rowe as starters. Even with the two starters returning, both are likely to continue to contribute at the position.
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